Journalist ‘shield law’ awaits Baldacci’s OK

AUGUSTA – A bill to make Maine the latest state with a “shield law” allowing journalists to protect confidential sources awaits Gov. John Baldacci’s signature. The Legislature gave its final approval Tuesday to the bill without opposition.

Supported by news media organizations, Portland Democratic Rep. John Hinck’s bill provides journalists with more protection when they report on illegal or improper activities through the use of confidential sources. It does not include protections for nonconfidential information.

Sources would have to be revealed if the information is crucial to a court case or disclosure is of overriding public interest. Supporters say 32 other states have shield laws.