S.448 - Free Flow of Information Act of 2009

A bill to maintain the free flow of information to the public by providing conditions for the federally compelled disclosure of information by certain persons connected with the news media. view all titles (2)

All Bill Titles

  • Official: A bill to maintain the free flow of information to the public by providing conditions for the federally compelled disclosure of information by certain persons connected with the news media. as introduced.
  • Short: Free Flow of Information Act of 2009 as introduced.

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Bill's Views

  • Today: 28
  • Past Seven Days: 89
  • All-Time: 13,852
 
Introduced
 
Senate
Passes
 
House
Passes
 
President
Signs
 

 
02/12/09
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Official Summary

2/13/2009--Introduced.Free Flow of Information Act of 2009 - Prohibits a federal entity from compelling a covered person (journalists and their employers, etc.) to testify or produce any document relating to protected information unless a court makes specified determinations by a preponder

Official Summary

2/13/2009--Introduced.Free Flow of Information Act of 2009 - Prohibits a federal entity from compelling a covered person (journalists and their employers, etc.) to testify or produce any document relating to protected information unless a court makes specified determinations by a preponderance of the evidence, including that all reasonable alternative sources have been exhausted, that the testimony or document sought is essential, and that nondisclosure would be contrary to the public interest, taking into account both the public interest in compelling disclosure and the public interest in gathering news and maintaining the free flow of information. Requires the content of compelled testimony or documents to be limited and narrowly tailored. Creates exceptions relating to alleged criminal or tortious conduct, prevention of death, kidnapping, or substantial bodily injury, prevention of terrorist activity, or prevention of national security harm. Applies this Act to communications service providers with regard to:
(1) a communication to which a covered person is a party;
(2) any document relating to such a communication; or
(3) the contents of such a communication. Sets forth notice requirements. Permits a court to delay notice to a covered person upon determining that such notice would pose a substantial threat to the integrity of a criminal investigation. Declares that this Act does not supersede, dilute, or preclude any law or court decision compelling or not compelling disclosure by a covered person or communications service provider of information identifying a source who provided information without a confidentiality promise made as part of engaging in journalism or records, communication data, documents, or information obtained without a confidentiality promise.

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Recent News Coverage

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12/20/09
Editorial: Balanced legislation would serve public interest

...of the “Free Flow of Information Act” in a 14-5 bipartisan vote. Sen. Chuck Schumer was a driving force for moving the bill (S.448) through this key committee without it being watered down. For instance, the bill’s coverage will extend to freelanc

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12/09/09
Editorial: Reasoned shield law within grasp

The Senate is close to passing S. 448 after many fits and starts. Feinstein's amendment would be a step backward. Her colleagues on the Judiciary Committee, ...

Source: Sacramento Bee
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12/08/09
Judiciary Committee Once Again Sets Shield Law For Markup

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/9/2009 11:14:57 AM For the 17th time, the Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled S. 448, The Free Flow of ...

Source: Broadcasting & Cable
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Recent Blog Coverage

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01/02/11
Retrospective: Ten Key Evidence Issues In 2010 | Federal Evidence ...

On December 10, 2009, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved an amended version of the Free Flow of Information Act of 2009 (S. 448), by a vote of 14 to 5. The measure was referred to the full Senate but was not considered. ...

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12/24/10
Mission Gamma I: Zwielicht

S. 178 und S. 448), dass Andorianer höhere Temperaturen und Luftfeuchtigkeitswerte bevorzugen würden. Zudem wird bereits in der TOS-Folge „Wenn die Götter zerstören“ festgehalten, dass Andorianer nicht auf intravenöse Injektionen ...

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12/21/10
DeMint Vows to Reverse FCC's 'Internet Takeover'

... S.1733, S.448, S.787, S.898, Safe School Czar, Salon.com, same-sex marriage, Sami Al-Arian, San Francsico Chronicle, sanctuary cities, Sarah Palin, Saturday Night Live, Saudi Arabia, Saul Alinsky, scarey, Science Czar, Scott Baio ...

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