Utah Political Watch filed suit against the Utah State Legislature on Wednesday, alleging legislative staffers violated publisher Bryan Schott’s First Amendment rights by refusing to issue him a credential to cover the 2025 Legislative session.
Schott, UPW and the Institute for Free Speech filed a motion in U.S. District Court for Utah on Wednesday alleging the restrictions on non-traditional media are unconstitutional.
In December, the Legislature denied a press badge to Schott and UPW, citing a newly revised media credentialing policy that states, “blogs, independent media outlets or freelance media do not qualify for credentials.”
The policy also requires that media members be a “professional member of the media associated with an established, reputable news organization.”
“The government does not get to decide which media are reputable,” the filing argues.
UPW and Schott are requesting a preliminary injunction and issuance of a press credential to cover the 2025 Utah Legislature, which has already begun.
Additionally, UPW is asking for damages in the amount of $17.91. That figure is symbolic, representing the year the First Amendment was ratified.
Lawsuit filed by Utah Political Watch against the Utah Legislature by Bryan Schott on Scribd
Your support is crucial for delivering the high-quality, independent journalism that informs and empowers our community.
Join our growing community of supporters today by becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-time donation.
Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference.
Thank you for standing with us as we work to strengthen democracy and elevate the issues that matter to Utahns like you.
