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Committee advances bill to shield journalists from subpoenas in Idaho
Summary
The House Judiciary committee voted unanimously to advance House Bill 158, a proposed state "shield" law that would limit court orders forcing reporters to disclose confidential sources; supporters said the measure protects whistleblowers and small newsrooms, while lawmakers questioned scope and national-security carveouts.
House Bill 158, which would create an Idaho reporter "shield" for confidential sources, moved out of the House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee on a unanimous voice vote after testimony from reporters, press advocates and the bill sponsors.
Proponents told the committee the change is necessary because Idaho is one of the states that currently lacks an explicit shield law. "We are a growing problem," said Melissa Davelin, president of the Idaho Press Club, describing a rise in subpoenas seeking reporters' unpublished material. "I have seen more requests to help quash subpoenas in the last year than I have in all of my years combined." Davelin said subpoenas have come in both civil and criminal cases and from defense and prosecuting attorneys…
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