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04/17/07
Reporter shield law heads to Washington
governor
By JENNIFER BYRD
Associated Press Writer
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- A measure that would keep journalists
who refuse to reveal confidential sources out of jail is headed
to Gov. Chris Gregoire.
The state House agreed to Senate changes in the bill on a
94-1 vote Monday. Gregoire's spokeswoman Holly Armstrong said
the governor was expected to sign it.
The main changes the Senate made were to narrow the definition
of "news media," said the bill's sponsor, House
Majority Leader Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam.
"It does make sure the people who will be eligible for
this privilege are indeed in the business of news media,"
Kessler said.
The bill would protect people who are in the business of gathering
news, but not bloggers or university professors who do not
make a majority of their living doing so.
It grants reporters absolute privilege for protecting confidential
sources -- the same exemption from testifying in court that
is granted to spouses, attorneys, clergy and police officers.
Currently, Washington has no shield law, but its courts have
ruled in favor of qualified privilege based on the First Amendment
and on common law.
Attorney General Rob McKenna has lobbied for the bill, saying
it promotes open government.
"He believes reporter shield laws protect whistle blowers
by guaranteeing confidentiality," his spokeswoman Janelle
Guthrie said. "Without this protection, those who fear
for their livelihoods would be too discouraged to speak up
on matters that are important to the public."
Also on Monday, the House agreed to Senate amendments on these
bills, which all now head to the governor:
-- On a 94-1 vote, a measure that would prohibit child day
care centers from having window blinds with cords that could
strangle young children. The measure is House Bill 1256.
-- On a 93-2 vote, a measure that requires reporting of hospital-acquired
infections in health care facilities. The measure is House
Bill 1106.
-- On a 61-31 vote, a measure that would outlaw dangerous
wild animals as pets. The measure is House Bill 1418.
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The reporter's shield measure is House Bill 1366.
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On the Net:
Legislature: http://www.leg.wa.gov
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