AUGUSTA – A legislative committee is weighing the merits of a proposed shield law, which would protect journalists from being forced to reveal their confidential sources.

The Judiciary Committee took testimony Thursday on the bill, which is intended to give journalists greater protection when reporting on illegal or improper activities through the use of confidential sources.

The bill sponsored by Rep. Jon Hinck, D-Portland, closely follows a model law from the Media Rights Center.

Thirty-two states, including California, New York and Connecticut, and the District of Columbia already have shield laws. Media organizations are pushing for passage of a federal law.