CA AJR16

Urges Congress and the President to enact a federal shield law protecting journalists from being compelled to disclose confidential sources and unpublished information.

Notes that 39 states plus D.C. have statutory shield laws and 10 additional states have established journalist confidentiality privileges through courts, demonstrating broad state-level support.

References pending federal Free Flow of Information Act (House Resolution 985 and Senate Bill 448) in the 111th Congress, which passed the House on March 31, 2009, with bipartisan support.

Cites concerns about increasing federal subpoenas targeting journalists (335 in 2006) and severe penalties including prison sentences and fines up to $5,000 per day imposed on journalists who refuse to disclose sources.

Directs the Chief Clerk of the Assembly to transmit the resolution to the President, Vice President, Congressional leadership, and all California members of Congress.