The proposed Federal Shield Law was designed to protect journalists from being forced to reveal their sources in federal court. Such laws are already in place in 32 states and Washington, D.C.; however, there is currently no federal version of the protection.
According to the National Press Photographers Association, the Federal Shield Law is very important to both still and video shooters, because it deals with the subpoena of photographs, digital files, video outtakes and negatives. The NPPA is among more than 50 news outlets and press-freedom organizations that have expressed support for the new bill.
Though the Bush Administration and U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald oppose the bill due to its potential effect on national security, the draft legislation includes exemptions for cases related to espionage and terrorism. The Senate Judiciary Committee just passed the Federal Shield Law in a 15 to 2 vote. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans to bring the bill up for a vote on the Senate floor by the end of the year.