Constitutional Law

W.Va. Legislature passes reporter-shield bill

By By The Associated Press

CHARLESTON, W.Va. ? West Virginia lawmakers have passed a bill protecting journalists from disclosing confidential sources in most legal proceedings.

The House of Delegates passed the measure on March 12, agreeing to a Senate amendment on the final day of the 60-day legislative session. The measure now goes to acting Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin for his signature.

The bill would shield reporters from being required to identify confidential sources in civil and criminal trials, before grand juries and in administrative proceedings. It also covers documents that could identify a source.

The bill exempts testimony that would prevent imminent death, serious bodily injury or unjust imprisonment. It also offers protection to student and part-time journalists.

Full post as published by First Amendment Center on March 13, 2011 (boomark / email).