Colorado Judicial Department Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Updates to Media Coverage Rule and Media Credentialing Policies

Nov. 6, 2026, DENVER — The Colorado Supreme Court today issued proposed revisions to P.A.I.R.R. 3, the rule on Expanded Media Coverage (EMC) of court proceedings, and a significantly revised Media Credential Policy. The proposed changes will be open for public review and comment for 30 days.

The proposed changes are part of Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez's broader review of policies and procedures for virtual and livestreamed court proceedings during the temporary statewide pause on the presumption of livestreaming criminal proceedings under Chief Justice Directive 26-01.

Originally adopted in 2010, P.A.I.R.R. 3 has not been updated since then despite significant changes in technology, media platforms, and court operations, including the increased use of virtual and livestreamed proceedings. The proposed revisions are intended to modernize the rule, clarify standards for recording court proceedings, and ensure appropriate media access while maintaining the fairness and integrity of judicial proceedings.

Key proposed updates include:

-Modernized definitions to reflect digital media, virtual hearings, and livestreamed proceedings. 

-A revised framework connecting media credentials to expanded media coverage requests and other media privileges. 

-A new process enabling the media to request remote observation of certain non-livestreamed proceedings. 

-Clear standards as to what constitutes an authorized recording of court proceedings and what does not. 
Updates to the EMC application and review process. 
 

The revised Media Credential Policy will establish distinct credentialing processes for media organizations and individual journalists, while maintaining judicial officers' authority to resolve applications for expanded media coverage and remote observation.

The Judicial Department’s Office of General Counsel and Communications Office drafted the proposed rule and policy with feedback from internal and external stakeholders.

The proposed rule and policy revisions are available for public review at coloradojudicial.gov/supreme-court/adopted-proposed-rule-changes during the 30-day comment period. The Court invites comments from media organizations, the public, legal stakeholders, and others interested in the balance between media access and the fair administration of justice.

The deadline for comments is 4:00 p.m. on Dec. 4, 2026.

Comments must be submitted in writing by email in letter format as an attachment in either Microsoft Word or PDF format to supremecourtrules@judicial.state.co.us.

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