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Committee backs expansion of Pennsylvania media‑shield law amid debate over coverage of online journalists
Summary
The House Judiciary Committee voted 14–12 to report House Bill 490, which would extend shield protections for confidential sources to some non‑confidential news‑gathering materials. Sponsors said the bill protects the First Amendment; critics urged clarifying language to ensure coverage of online and non‑legacy media.
The House Judiciary Committee on Nov. 14 reported House Bill 490 to the full House by a 14–12 vote. Sponsor Representative Waxman said the measure would expand Pennsylvania’s media‑shield protections beyond confidential sources to include certain non‑confidential news‑gathering materials and reporters’ work product, while preserving narrow public‑safety exceptions.
"It is about protecting the First Amendment and protecting freedom of speech and the right of news gathering organizations to conduct their work," Waxman said, urging support while saying the bill includes public‑safety safeguards.
Representative Ledbetter pressed whether the bill’s language would extend protections to newer forms of media including online outlets and social platforms. Counsel replied that the statutory language—covering activities used to gather, procure, compile, edit or publish news—could be broad enough to reach such platforms but acknowledged the phrasing could benefit from clarification and possible floor amendments.
Opponents warned against an overly broad shield. Representative Kaufman and several other members said today they would vote no pending tighter definitions; Representative Bonner noted existing law already offers broad protection and questioned what HB 490 adds.
The committee adopted the bills as recorded and reported HB 490 to the House. Supporters and counsel signaled willingness to work on clarifying amendments on the floor to ensure the bill’s scope is intentionally drafted.
Next steps: The bill proceeds to the full House where sponsors expect debate and potential amendments to define which online platforms qualify for shield protections.
Sources: Committee debate and roll call recorded in the House Judiciary Committee transcript.
