Pennsylvania House Bill 490 Establishes Qualified Privilege for Journalists' Nonconfidential Sources and Materials

House Bill 490 establishes a qualified privilege allowing journalists, editors, and media workers to refuse disclosure of nonconfidential sources and materials in legal and administrative proceedings. The measure requires parties seeking disclosure to demonstrate that information is unavailable elsewhere, critical to the case, and pursued after exhausting other avenues. Additionally, the bill protects media employers and supervisors, bars fines or imprisonment for refusing privileged disclosures, and makes information obtained in violation of the statute inadmissible before any agency, taking effect in 60 days.

News reporters, editors, and broadcasting staff gain explicit legal protection for unpublished notes, recordings, and nonconfidential contacts unless a court issues a specific order following a formal hearing and evidentiary showing.