Massachusetts legislation · 194th General Court
Massachusetts H1595: An Act to protect the confidentiality of journalistic news sources and information
Status: Failed, March 26, 2026
What the bill says
From the introduced text, February 27, 2025:
Section 1. Definitions As used in this act, the following words shall have the following meanings: (a) "Journalist", anyone engaged in gathering, preparing, collecting, writing, editing, filming, taping, or photographing news intended for dissemination to the public via a medium of mass communication, including but not limited to bloggers, podcasters, authors, or credentialed members of the media. (b) "News", information of public interest concerning local, national, or international events that the journalist believes is a matter of public concern. (c) "Confidential Source", any person providing information to a journalist with the express or implied agreement that the identity of the source will not be disclosed. (d) "Unpublished Information", all information not communicated to the public by the journalist, including notes, outtakes, photographs, or any other form of work product. Section 2. Privilege (a) Absolute Privilege for Confidential Sources. No journalist shall be compelled to disclose in any legal proceeding the identity of any confidential source. (b) Qualified Privilege for Unpublished Information. A journalist shall not be compelled to disclose any unpublished information in any legal proceeding unless the party seeking such information demonstrates: (1) that the information is material and relevant; (2) that the information is necessary to the resolution of the issue; (3) that the information cannot be obtained by alternative means without undue hardship. Section 3. Exceptions This …
Sponsors
- Nicholas Boldyga (R, 3rd Hampden) · primary sponsor
- James Eldridge (D, Middlesex and Worcester)
- John Gaskey (R)
Latest actions
- : Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)
- : Hearing scheduled for 09/23/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
- : Senate concurred
- : Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
- : Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order
Common questions
- What is H1595?
- H1595 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act to protect the confidentiality of journalistic news sources and information.
- What is the status of H1595?
- Failed as of March 26, 2026. Latest action: Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27) (March 26, 2026).
- Who sponsored H1595?
- Nicholas Boldyga (R, 3rd Hampden), with 2 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for H1595?
- On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1595
Source: official Massachusetts record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.