Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB670

Filed
 
Out of House Committee
3/26/09  
Voted on by House
4/3/09  
Out of Senate Committee
4/20/09  
Voted on by Senate
4/28/09  
Governor Action
5/13/09  
Bill Becomes Law
 
Report Pass
4/20/09  
Enrolled
5/4/09  

Caption

Relating to a qualified privilege of a journalist not to testify.

Impact

By potentially preventing the forced disclosure of confidential sources and unpublished information during legal proceedings, HB 670 may significantly impact the dynamics between law enforcement and journalists. The legislation specifies that no official body can compel a journalist to testify or produce evidence unless certain conditions are met, such as demonstrating that all reasonable efforts to obtain the information from other sources have been exhausted. This may lead to a more robust safeguard for journalistic practices and could help maintain public trust in the media.

Summary

House Bill 670 introduces a qualified privilege for journalists, shielding them from compelled testimony regarding the information they gather while acting in their professional capacity. This act aims to protect the rights of journalists to keep sources confidential, thereby promoting a free and active press while ensuring that the public has access to information. The legislation specifically aims to balance the interests of effective law enforcement against the necessity of a free press, allowing journalists to perform their functions without undue interference from the legal system.

Contention

Nonetheless, there are points of contention surrounding the bill. Critics might argue that such protections could hinder criminal investigations or litigation where critical journalistic evidence is necessary. The balance between confidentiality and the need for disclosure in the face of serious crimes remains a hot topic, as the state must also ensure that justice is served. This creates a dilemma between preserving press freedoms and fulfilling legal obligations, and ongoing discussions will likely explore how to navigate these competing interests effectively.

Companion Bills

TX SB915

Identical Relating to a qualified privilege of a journalist not to testify.

Previously Filed As

TX SB732

Relating to an exception to the application of the offense of misuse of official information for journalists.

TX SB895

Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

TX HB1831

Relating to the regulation of the cultivation, manufacture, processing, distribution, sale, testing, transportation, delivery, transfer, possession, use, and taxation of cannabis and cannabis products and the local regulation of cannabis establishments; providing for expunction of records relating to certain decriminalized conduct; authorizing the imposition of fees; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense; imposing a tax.

TX HB1633

Relating to certain offenses regarding parking privileges of veterans with disabilities.

TX HB3573

Relating to modernizing the regulation of money services businesses.

TX HB2843

Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB4123

Relating to access to and use of certain criminal history record information.

TX SB730

Relating to the granting of privileges to and the authority of podiatrists at hospitals.

TX HB4

Relating to the regulation of the collection, use, processing, and treatment of consumers' personal data by certain business entities; imposing a civil penalty.

TX SB958

Relating to the prohibited release by a public agency of personal affiliation information regarding the members, supporters, or volunteers of or donors to certain nonprofit organizations; creating a criminal offense.

Similar Bills

TX SB915

Relating to a qualified privilege of a journalist not to testify.

TX HB1885

Relating to a qualified privilege of a journalist not to testify.

TX HB3919

Relating to a qualified privilege of a journalist not to testify in an administrative, executive, legislative, or civil judicial proceeding.

HI HB1181

Relating To Evidence.

HI HB1502

Relating To Evidence.

HI SB1451

Relating To Evidence.

HI SB1451

Relating To Evidence.

NM HB153

Protect Reporters From Exploitative Spying