California’s Push to Hide Lawmakers’ Info Threatens Press Freedom and Accountability

In the shadow of tragic attacks on Minnesota lawmakers and rising threats against public officials nationwide, California legislators are racing to restrict access to their personal contact information. At face value, AB 1392 appears a sensible shield aimed at protecting families from violence. But beneath the surface lies a dangerous trade-off: sacrificing government accountability and the press’s watchdog role under the pretext of security. Is Public Safety a Cover for Silencing the Press? The bill would block journalists from accessing elected officials’ phone numbers, emails, and home addresses through voter registration records—information currently available only under strict conditions. Yet there...