Federal shield law is needed

This week, companion bills called the "Free Flow of Information Act" were introduced by Senators Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., and Richard Lugar, R-Ind., and
Representatives Richard Boucher, D-Va., Mike Pence, R-Ind., John Conyers, D-Mich.,
Howard Coble, R-N.C., John Yarmuth, D-Ky., and David Weldon, R-Fla.

Here's the text of the bill (the House and Senate versions are identical) as introduced and a section-by-section analysis. Thirty-two states, including California, already have shield laws. Federal courts, however, have no uniform standards to govern when testimony can be sought from reporters. By passing this act, Congress would establish balanced ground rules for reporters as they seek to bring forward information on matters of public interest.