Senate Judiciary Panel OKs Shield Law, Sends Bill to Floor

The Senate Judiciary Committee December 10, 2009, approved a bill (S 448) creating a limited immunity for reporters protecting confidential sources.

The committee ordered it reported to the full Senate on a 14-5 vote. There is no word yet on when the Senate, preoccupied with major legislation like health care and climate, will take it up. The House has already passed a different shield bill — raising hopes that one could become law during this Congress.

• "Panel OKs News-Media Shield, Sends Bill To Full Senate," Associated Press via First Amendment Center, December 10, 2009.
• Previous Story: WatchDog of November 4, 2009.