July 23rd, 2023 by WCBC Radio

The House Judiciary Committee unanimously voted to pass Maryland Representative Jamie Raskin’s Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act.  The PRESS Act would establish a federal statutory privilege to protect journalists from being compelled to reveal sources and prevent federal law enforcement from abusing subpoena power. It ensures reporters cannot be compelled by the government to disclose their confidential sources or research files. The bill shields journalists’ communications records from the government, with narrow exceptions for terrorism and threat of imminent violence. The bill is supported by organizations including the National Association of Broadcasters, and the Society of Professional Journalists.