"WASHINGTON - The House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday to strengthen journalists’ protection of confidential sources from federal investigation.

The Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying (PRESS) Act would protect reporters from being compelled by the government to give up confidential sources and information.. It passed on a voice vote.

The bill would also prevent their data held by telecommunication companies from being seized by federal entities without the journalist being given notice and having the ability to challenge the seizure in court.

The PRESS Act would shield reporters from court-ordered disclosures of these sources unless the information is needed to thwart terrorism, imminent violence, significant bodily harm, death and specified offenses against a minor. “Liberty depends on the freedom of the press,” California Rep. Kevin Kiley said on the House floor Tuesday, “and journalists are often the first to expose government fraud, waste, abuse and encroachments on personal freedoms in a free country. We need to make sure that the government cannot unmask journalists’ sources without good cause.”

Kiley, R-Rocklin, led the effort to pass the bill with Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md."

Gillian Brassil reports for McClatchy January 18, 2024. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Statement: News/Media Alliance Applauds Passage of PRESS Act in House" (News Media Alliance release) [3]

"Wyden, Lee and Durbin Introduce PRESS Act to Protect Reporters’ First Amendment Rights Against Government Surveillance" (Sen. Wyden release) [4]

"PRESS Act Unanimously Passes The House. Now On To The Senate!" (Freedom of the Press Foundation release) [5]

Text of PRESS Act (HR 4250) [6]