On Tuesday, Republicans in the Arizona House of Representatives voted to allow the closing of party caucuses to lobbyists, reporters and other members of the public. The House rule change passed on a 36-23 party line vote.
While the state's Open Meeting Law does not apply to political caucuses, House rules had, for the most part, required them to be open. The new rule allows party leaders to shut the doors.
House Democrats, including Bruce Wheeler of Tucson, said the move is a blow to transparency.
"Now we find ourselves in this chamber unfortunately voting on a rule that allows a caucus to conduct its business in secret," said Wheeler. "In the dark, away from the light of day, without any transparency or accountability."
Republicans who supported the change say the move addresses concerns about grandstanding when caucuses are open. Rep. John Allen of Scottsdale likened it to having a family discussion.
"At times family meetings need to be private," Allen said. "Where people can express their opinions and maybe move the members to a different political position without the outside pressure of having their comments taken as their final resting place on every argument."
The change is not being considered by the state Senate at this time.