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AUSTIN (AFX) - Journalists in Texas would get some protection against being forced to reveal confidential sources under a bill to create a shield law filed Tuesday.
The bill by state Rep. Aaron Pena, D-Edinburg, is dubbed the "Free Flow of Information Act" and would allow judges and prosecutors to require reporters to reveal privileged information only in certain circumstances.
A shield law bill backed by newspapers and broadcasters failed in the 2005 legislative session. Thirty-one states and the District of Columbia have shield laws.
"This bill is about the public's right to the free flow of information," Pena said. "Information regarding corruption from whistleblowers should be encouraged. This bill strikes a delicate balance that allows information to be gathered while at the same time allowing prosecutors to seek justice."
Broadcasters have long supported a shield law because TV and radio journalists are subpoenaed more often for their videotapes and other recorded materials than print reporters are for their notes.
The 2005 shield law bill failed in large part because district attorneys did not want to close any doors that might help a criminal investigation.
The House Judiciary Committee has scheduled a hearing on the bill Wednesday.
The shield law bill is HB 382 Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be
Copyright 2006 AFX News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
