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.