Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits courts from issuing subpoenas to journalists for confidential information.

Highlights:

-Defines reporters as those that compile news information “for a substantial portion of the person’s livelihood or for substantial financial gain” (sec. 1). -Allows the issuance of subpoenas on reporters only if “all reasonable efforts have been exhausted to obtain the information from an alternative source” (sec. 1). -Allows judges to issue subpoenas on journalists to testify on an eyewitness observation of any crime, on information regarding violent crimes or crimes committed against children under the age of 14, and where it is “reasonably necessary” to prevent death or substantial bodily harm (sec. 1).

Full Bill Text