Today I filed legislation that would extend some protections for journalists from having to reveal confidential sources and information. House Bill 382, called - The Free Flow of Information Act, would allow judges and prosecutors to compel journalists to testify and reveal their sources only in certain instances. The Texas House Committee on the Judiciary is scheduled to hear testimony on an interim charge from the previous session regarding the issue tomorrow, Wednesday, December 13th in Austin at the Capitol Extension, E2.028. The committee can also be seen on the web at http://www.house.state.tx.us/media/weekly.php.
Last session I filed HB 188, a similar bill that would have created a privilege for journalists. The bill I filed today follows negotiations between a variety of interested parties. Our chances for success look significantly better this session. The Fort Worth Star Telegram has the story.
Scott at Grits for Breakfast has observations from today's hearing.
UPDATE: Kelley Shannon from the Associated Press has a good up to date story about the Judiciary Committee hearing. Elizabeth Pierson of the Brownsville Herald has one also, as does A.J. Bauer at the Austin American Statesman.
My special thanks to the Rio Grande Guardian for their early attention to the issue.
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