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Bill > H1433


MA H1433

MA H1433
Relative to the free flow of information


summary

Introduced
02/16/2023
In Committee
02/16/2023
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2024

Introduced Session

193rd General Court

Bill Summary

Relative to the protection for certain persons from compelled disclosure of information. The Judiciary.

AI Summary

This bill, known as the "Free Flow of Information Act," aims to protect certain individuals, referred to as "covered persons," from being compelled to disclose information they have obtained while working for news media organizations. The key provisions include: (1) a prohibition on state entities from compelling covered persons to reveal their sources or any unpublished news or information they have gathered, with limited exceptions; (2) protection for supervisors, employers, and others assisting covered persons; (3) the inadmissibility of any information obtained in violation of the law; and (4) a process for a court to compel disclosure of unpublished news or information in certain circumstances, but not the identity of a source. The bill seeks to preserve the free flow of information by shielding journalists and others in the news media from being forced to reveal their confidential sources or unpublished materials.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (4)

Last Action

Accompanied a study order, see H4517 (on 06/05/2024)

bill text


bill summary

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bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H1433
BillText https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H1433.pdf
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