BUFFALO, N.Y. -- As the nation follows closely former President Donald Trump's hush money trial in Manhattan, details of what happened in the courtroom will have to come from reporters and others on site.

With the exception of pool photos taken of the former president last week before the trial began in earnest, cameras and audio recorders are not allowed in court.

"New York prides itself as being the media capital of the world. How ironic that we're not allowing the media into the most significant criminal trial in modern democratic history," state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, D-Manhattan, said.

Hoylman-Sigal is the sponsor of legislation that would give judges discretion to permit more access. The current law generally bans audio and visual equipment unless there is special permission and only in circumstances like arraignments or pleas in which there is no testimony.

"I've sponsored and passed this bill multiple times in the state Senate and it's based on recommendations from government watchdog groups, judicial activists and those who advocate for the First Amendment," he said.

New York Coalition for Open Government President Paul Wolf said the law is archaic, dating back to the Lindbergh baby trial in the 1930s, and Louisiana is the only other state in the nation with similar restrictions.

"The time has come to change that," Wolf said. "New York is really an outlier as far as not allowing cameras in the courtroom."

The state did briefly lift restrictions on a trial basis from 1987-1997 but the Legislature chose not to continue the policy when it expired. Wolf said a lack of transparency in the Trump trial is a bad look for New York and perhaps will spur change.

"I'm sure there's national media presence at the Trump trial and I think a lot of people have been shocked to learn that they cannot record it and broadcast it," he said.

Hoylman-Sigal said there are signs on progress including the state's highest judge, Rowan Wilson, supporting more access. The state senator said it would benefit the legal system in general to embrace the reform.

"If a light was shone on the hardworking women and men who lead our judiciary, that would instill some confidence as well as allow the public and the press to serve as their own watchdogs," he said.

Hoylman-Sigal is applauding the Office of Court Administration for allowing, for the first time, in the Trump trial, public access to transcripts the day after each court proceeding.