HB 2543 Pennsylvania House · 2023-2024 Regular Session

An Act amending Titles 2 (Administrative Law and Procedure) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in depositions and witnesses, further providing for confidential communications to news reporters; and making editorial changes.

This bill updates Pennsylvania laws to strengthen the legal protection of confidential communications between journalists and their sources during judicial and administrative proceedings. It ensures that interpreters for people with limited English proficiency or hearing impairments cannot be forced to reveal what was said in these protected conversations. Additionally, the legislation clarifies the definition of a "journalist" to include freelance and non-professional reporters while maintaining an exception for cases involving imminent threats of violence. The changes apply to all types of media, including newspapers, radio, television, and magazines, and will take effect 60 days after becoming law.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Sep 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Sep 6, 2024 Last action Sep 6, 2024
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Committee
1
Sep 6, 2024
Committee
Referred to Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 7 co-sponsors

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