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S 2831 109th Congress Senate Law Armed Forces and National Security Classified defense information Confidential communications Crime and Law Enforcement Crime prevention Criminal investigation Evidence (Law) Government Operations and Politics Privileges and immunities Prosecution Reporters and reporting Subpoena Terrorism Torts Witnesses

Free Flow of Information Act of 2006

Introduced: May 18, 2006 See on congress.gov
 Everywhere this bill has been 4 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Sep 20, 2006
Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 109-837.
May 18, 2006
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
May 18, 2006
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4800-4801)
May 18, 2006
Introduced in Senate
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Free Flow of Information Act of 2006 - Prohibits federal courts in criminal or civil proceedings from compelling journalists to disclose their confidential sources or information which they obtain in a professional newsgathering capacity. Allows exceptions if a court finds that: (1) alternative means of obtaining such confidential information have been exhausted and reasonable and timely notice of a demand for such information has been given; (2) subpoenas for such information are limited in scope; (3) such information is critical to pending criminal or civil litigation; and (4) nondisclosure of such information would be contrary to the public interest.

Denies journalists a privilege against disclosure of confidential information if such information: (1) was obtained by eyewitness observations of criminal conduct by a journalist or involvement of such journalist in criminal or tortious conduct; (2) is necessary to prevent death or substantial bodily harm; (3) is necessary to protect national security; and (4) was provided or obtained without a promise of confidentiality.

What's happening now September 20, 2006

Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 109-837.

 Committees of jurisdiction 1