MI SR0134

Reaffirms the constitutional right of the free press under the First Amendment and Michigan Constitution to investigate and report on police violence, excessive force, protests, and riots without government intimidation or obstruction.

References documented attacks on journalists covering protests between May 26-June 3, 2020, including 279 recorded violations of press freedom tracked by the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker.

Highlights specific incidents of police assault on credentialed journalists in Detroit on June 1, 2020, and attacks on news organizations and crews in other U.S. cities during 2020 protests.

Notes that the United States ranks 45th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders' Press Freedom Index, indicating threats to press independence and public accountability.

Commits the Michigan Legislature to defending press freedom and opposing any state or federal legislation or enforcement that violates First Amendment protections of free speech and free press.