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MA H1738
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/27/2025
Primary Sponsor
Richard Haggerty
Click for details
AI Summary
- Creates a "shield law" protecting journalists from being compelled by government entities to disclose confidential sources, records, or documents obtained through their journalism work
- Prohibits government entities from compelling tech service providers (telecommunications carriers, internet services, cloud storage) to turn over journalists' stored communications and records without court authorization
- Allows exceptions only when a court finds by preponderance of evidence that disclosure is necessary to prevent terrorism or an imminent threat of violence, bodily harm, or death
- Requires government entities to notify journalists within 3 days of subpoenaing their records from service providers and provide an opportunity to be heard, though notice may be delayed up to 45 days if it would threaten a criminal investigation
- Mandates that any compelled disclosure be narrowly tailored to verify published information and avoid overbroad, unreasonable, or speculative requests
Legislative Description
Relative to the free flow of information
Last Action
Accompanied a new draft, see H4638
10/23/2025
Committee Referrals
Judiciary2/27/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available