US Free Flow of Information Bill

US Free Flow of Information Bill

U.S. Congressman and Republican, Mike Pence this week introduced the Free Flow of Information Bill, or Media Shield Law, to the House:

“Unfortunately, last year almost a dozen reporters were served or threatened with jail sentences in at least three different federal jurisdictions for refusing to reveal confidential sources. Compelling reporters to testify and, in particular, compelling them to reveal the identity of their confidential sources is a detriment to the public interest. Without the promise of confidentiality, many important conduits of information about government activity would be shut down. Today 31 states and the District of Columbia have various statutes that protect reporters from being compelled to testify and disclose sources of information in court, but there is no federal protection. Today, along with my colleague Mr. Rick Boucher, I will introduce the Free Flow of Information Act. This important legislation will provide reporters with protection from being compelled to disclose sources of information in any federal, criminal, or civil case, without meeting strict criteria."

(Website of Mike Pence: http://mikepence.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?)DocumentID=6643