The Senate is now processing applications for news media credentials for the 88th Legislature (2023-2024). A media credential application must be approved before a media member may be admitted to the designated press area of the Senate Gallery while the Senate is in session. All applications are subject to review by the Secretary of the Senate's office.

Procedure to obtain Senate news media credentials:

1. An applicant for news media credentials must complete and submit a notarized Media Credential Application form along with a letter (example letter) on letterhead from the editor, publisher, bureau chief, or supervisor of the sponsoring news organization. The letter must certify that the applicant is engaged primarily in reporting the sessions of the legislature and that no part of the applicant's salary for legislative coverage is paid by any source other than the sponsoring news organization.
2. Upon a determination that the application is complete and verification of employment, the applicant will be notified by e-mail to report to the Senate's Human Resources department to have his/her photograph taken. Senate Human Resources is located in Suite 625 of the Sam Houston State Office Building located at 201 E. 14th Street, Austin, Texas, 78701 (the northeast corner of the Capitol Complex).

You may contact the Secretary of the Senate's office at (512) 463-0100 for additional information or inquiries regarding this process, or you may send an e-mail to secretaryofsenate.office@senate.texas.gov.

Other Important Information:

The issuance of news media credentials does not constitute a determination of your qualifications for any other purpose.

The Senate reserves the right to investigate the information provided in the application and to deny or revoke news media credentials if the Senate determines the applicant does not qualify.

The news media credentials should be worn and be visible at all times to gain entrance to the designated press area in the Senate Gallery when lawmakers are in session.

The news media credential card does not exempt the media from entering the Capitol without going through security.

The Senate strongly encourages members of the media to apply for news media credentials as soon as possible in order to help expedite the process. All applications will be processed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Applications submitted on the first day of session will not be able to be processed on the same day.

Please note, the Senate does not provide notary services.