Hawaii lawmakers sent the governor a bill that would protect the state's journalists, both online and traditional, "from revealing their sources, notes and video recordings to the government," reports The Associated Press. "Hawaii prosecutors agreed to the measure after carving out exemptions for felony cases, civil actions involving defamation, public safety, source consent to disclosure and when the desired information is necessary to an investigation or defense," AP reports. (Read more)
An earlier version of the bill had used compliance with the Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics to determine who qualifies as a journalist, but the final legislation granted protection to those who disseminate news in the "substantial public interest," as well as those who have ever worked in the news media.
Maine recently became the 35th state (in addition to the District of Columbia) to enact a reporter's privilege or shield law after Gov. John Baldacci signed the bill in late April, reports Editor & Publisher. Supported by the Maine Press Association, the Maine Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Maine Association of Broadcasters, the law protects reporters from disclosing confidential sources or information. The law does not, however, apply to "non-confidential" material such as reporters' notes or unpublished photographs. (Read more)
For a comprehensive overview of shield laws, go here.
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