PA HB490

Expands Pennsylvania's journalist shield law to create a qualified privilege protecting nonconfidential sources and unpublished materials, in addition to the existing absolute privilege protecting confidential source identities

Courts may only order disclosure of protected materials when a party demonstrates they exhausted other sources, the information is only accessible through the journalist, and it is critical to the case

Prohibits any fine or imprisonment against journalists who refuse to disclose privileged information, and makes any information obtained in violation of the shield law inadmissible in proceedings

Extends the privilege protection to news organizations and supervisors with authority over covered journalists

Takes effect 60 days after enactment and amends Titles 2 and 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes