Shield Law Update

Congress will again consider a shield law allowing reporters to protect the identities of their sources, except when a judge decides the public interest comes first.

The bill, co-authored by Reps. Rick Boucher (D-Va.) and Mike Pence (R-Ind.) and co-sponsored by House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.), is a variation on a bill introduced last year. It would enshrine protection already granted by 32 states and the District into federal law.

The Free Flow of Information Act, introduced yesterday, would prevent reporters from being forced to reveal their sources, except when protecting them would breach national security, cause imminent death or significant harm, or shield someone who has disclosed trade secrets, personal health or financial information illegally.