Unanimous Vote for Free Flow of Information Act

It's often said, "...the third times a charm..." and FOIFT is hopeful that will indeed be the case with this current legislative session. Earlier this week, members of the Texas House of Representatives unanimously voted 146 - 0, approving a reporter's shield bill (H.B. 670) that provides journalists a qualified privilege from being compelled to disclose confidential sources and reporting material. This is the third legislative session passage of such a bill has been attempted. A companion bill in the Texas Senate, SB 915, also passed out of committee last week and both versions are very similar. FOIFT President Laura Prather was instrumental in helping negotiate compromise language between several media organizations and the state Prosecutor's Association.