Bill > S1115

This bill aims to protect the free flow of information in Massachusetts by establishing the "Free Flow of Information Act." The key provisions include: 1. Defining key terms such as "covered journalist," "covered service provider," and "protected information" to clearly identify the individuals and information that are covered by the act. 2. Prohibiting government entities from compelling a covered journalist to disclose protected information, unless it is necessary to prevent an act of terrorism or a threat of imminent violence, bodily harm, or death. 3. Limiting the government's ability to compel a covered service provider (e.g., internet service provider) to disclose a covered journalist's communications or records, unless necessary to prevent a threat of imminent violence, bodily harm, or death. 4. Requiring the government to provide notice to the covered journalist and an opportunity to be heard before compelling a covered service provider to disclose information, with limited exceptions to delay the notice in certain circumstances. 5. Ensuring that any compelled testimony or production of documents is not overbroad, unreasonable, or oppressive, and is narrowly tailored to the specific purpose of verifying published information or describing surrounding circumstances relevant to the accuracy of such information. Overall, this bill aims to protect the confidentiality of journalists' sources and the information they gather, while allowing limited exceptions to prevent serious threats to public safety.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S1115