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Senate unanimously passes reporter‑shield bill to protect sources, with exceptions
Summary
House Bill 158, creating statutory protections for journalists’ confidential sources and unpublished materials, passed the Senate 35‑0; sponsors said it extends protection to legacy and nontraditional news outlets while allowing limited exceptions for imminent harm or national security.
The Senate on March 18 unanimously approved House Bill 158, a measure sponsors described as the Protect Media Source Confidentiality Act. Floor sponsors said the law will allow reporters and qualifying news organizations — including freelance and independent digital outlets — to refuse compelled disclosure of confidential sources and unpublished newsgathering materials in most court proceedings.
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