ALBANY – The state Senate voted Wednesday to prohibit the use of cell phone cameras in the chamber, except for “official purposes,” despite the fact that the proceedings are broadcast to the public.

The move drew the ire of Senate Democrats, who charged that Republicans pushed for the ban to handcuff the press.

“The Senate GOP are following their national colleagues and enacting Trump-style censorship and a direct attack on the free press,” said Democratic Senate spokesman Mike Murphy.

“Under the Republicans, the State Senate has repeatedly rushed important votes through in the middle of the night, away from public scrutiny.”