Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Legislators extend shield law protecting journalists' sources
POSTED: 09:00 p.m. HST, Apr 28, 2011
LAST UPDATED: 05:19 a.m. HST, Apr 29, 2011
The state Legislature has given final approval to a two-year extension of a law protecting journalists from having to reveal anonymous sources and private notes.
House members gave unanimous approval to House Bill 1376. The so-called “shield law” was set to expire June 30.
Minority Leader Gene Ward (R, Kalama Valley-Hawaii Kai) was the only member to speak on the bill, saying he felt the shield law should be made permanent.
The House voted unanimously yesterday to agree to a Senate version of the bill and approve it to send it on to the governor.
Thirty-six states and the District of Columbia have a permanent shield law, according to testimony on the measure. Hawaii's law is stronger than others because it protects online bloggers.
Measure protecting journalistic sources heads toward final approval
Lawmakers advance 2-year extension of shield law
Shield law helps media — and public
