S. 2831 · 109th Congress
Free Flow of Information Act of 2006
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Never voted on. It didn't reach a floor vote before the 109th Congress ended, so it expired. A bill has to be introduced again to be considered in a new Congress.
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LugarSponsor9 cosponsors · 4 D, 4 R, 1 I
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Dodd
LG
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Graham
CS
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Schumer
AS
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Specter
JJ
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Jeffords
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Biden
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Lieberman
PD
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Domenici
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Grassley4 signed on when it was introduced; the rest joined later. Cosponsors who withdrew aren't shown.
Free Flow of Information Act of 2006 - Prohibits federal courts in criminal or civil proceedings from compelling journalists to disclose their confidential sources or information which they obtain in a professional newsgathering capacity.
What it does: CRS summary · Introduced in Senate · May 18, 2006
Free Flow of Information Act of 2006 - Prohibits federal courts in criminal or civil proceedings from compelling journalists to disclose their confidential sources or information which they obtain in a professional newsgathering capacity. Allows exceptions if a court finds that: (1) alternative means of obtaining such confidential information have been exhausted and reasonable and timely notice of a demand for such information has been given; (2) subpoenas for such information are limited in scope; (3) such information is critical to pending criminal or civil litigation; and (4) nondisclosure of such information would be contrary to the public interest.
Denies journalists a privilege against disclosure of confidential information if such information: (1) was obtained by eyewitness observations of criminal conduct by a journalist or involvement of such journalist in criminal or tortious conduct; (2) is necessary to prevent death or substantial bodily harm; (3) is necessary to protect national security; and (4) was provided or obtained without a promise of confidentiality.
Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov
About this bill and sources
Official title: Free Flow of Information Act of 2006
Latest action (Sep 20, 2006): Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 109-837.
Policy area: Law · Origin: Senate · Introduced: May 18, 2006
Official page on Congress.gov · Bill text (GovInfo) · Status record (XML)
No recorded floor vote found.