0
PRESS Act
1/23/2024, 2:15 PM
Summary of Bill HR 4250
The PRESS Act aims to prevent the government from compelling journalists to reveal their sources, except in cases where there is a clear and imminent threat to national security. This protection is crucial in ensuring that journalists can continue to report on important issues without fear of reprisal.
Additionally, the PRESS Act seeks to establish a federal shield law that would provide legal protections for journalists who refuse to disclose their sources. This law would help to safeguard the independence of the press and ensure that journalists can fulfill their role as watchdogs of democracy. Overall, the PRESS Act is a critical piece of legislation that seeks to uphold the freedom of the press and protect the vital role that journalists play in our society. It is currently being debated in Congress, and its passage would be a significant step towards ensuring a free and independent press in the United States.
Congressional Summary of HR 4250
Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act or the PRESS Act
This bill prohibits the federal government from compelling journalists and providers of telecommunications services (e.g., phone and internet companies) to disclose certain protected information, except in limited circumstances such as to prevent terrorism or imminent violence.
Specifically, the bill protects from disclosure any information identifying a source, as well as any records, contents of a communication, documents, or information obtained or created by journalists in the course of their work.
Further, the bill protects specified third parties, such as telecommunications carriers or social media companies, from being compelled to provide testimony or any document consisting of a record, information, or other communication that is stored by the third party on behalf of a journalist.
