Idaho enacts media shield law to protect journalists' sources

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — BOISE, Idaho — Governor Brad Little has signed a new media shield law, making Idaho the 41st state to enact such legislation. The law, which received unanimous support in the House, explicitly protects sources who provide confidential information and documents to journalists.

Under the new law, journalists cannot be compelled to disclose the identities of their sources in legal proceedings, whether in court, before a jury, or on radio or television. The only exceptions to this protection are national security cases or "imminent physical harm."

Sponsors of the bill argued that protecting journalists' right to keep sources secret benefits everyone.

Representative Barbara Ehardt said, "The only thing keeping journalists from revealing their sources is their own personal ethics. This has forced journalists to pay a hefty fine and pay to hire an attorney. Many have gone to jail and sat there of their own volition to protect their sources, and at some point that's not right."

The Idaho Press Club proposed the bill this session. President Melissa Davlin said, "Journalists shouldn’t have to choose between protecting their sources or going to jail for defying a subpoena - and sources shouldn’t have to worry about litigation revealing their communications with reporters."

The Press Club also highlighted that legal battles to protect sources can cost thousands of dollars, with the risk of losing the case still present. They emphasized that the new law should instill confidence in those confiding in journalists.

The new law takes effect July 1.