Free Flow Act heads to governor

The state House Thursday voted 146-0 to concur in Senate amendments to the Texas Free Flow of Information Act. The bill now goes to Gov. Rick Perry for a signature.

On Tuesday the Senate had unanimously passed the bill that would give reporters a qualified privilege from being compelled to disclose confidential sources and material. The bill ensures the free flow of information to the public through the media to expose government abuse, corporate malfeasance and enhance the health, safety and welfare of all.

Passage of a free flow act in Texas was a longtime coming — other free flow bills had been proposed but failed in previous legislative sessions. Journalists and local prosecutors had long been divided on the issue, said attorney Laura Prather, who led negotiations on behalf of the TPA and Texas Daily Newspaper Association.

Texas now is on the verge of joining 36 other states that provide some type of reporter's privilege and free flow law.

The bill (CSHB 670) was authored by Rep. Trey Martinez-Fischer, D-San Antonio. Sens. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, and Robert Duncan, R-Lubbock, sponsored the bill in the Senate.

Check the FFOIA clearinghouse for more information about the act in Texas.
 

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