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Wyoming2020Did Not Pass

HB0146

Journalists' Privilege to Protect Sources

Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 2:25 AM

In one sentence

The bill proposes a law that allows journalists to refuse to disclose certain confidential information and the identity of their sources in civil matters, with protections against contempt and penalties.

What it does

  • Defines who is considered a journalist under this law, including students at University of Wyoming or community colleges.
  • Gives journalists the right not to disclose any information they receive while gathering news for publication or broadcast if it was obtained in confidence.
  • Protects journalists from being held in contempt by courts, agencies, or public bodies when they refuse to reveal confidential information or their sources.
  • Ensures that no fine, term of imprisonment, or civil penalty shall be imposed on a journalist for asserting the privilege.

Who it affects

  • Journalists and news organizations
  • Courts and law enforcement agencies

Limits and unknowns

  • The bill did not pass and was not signed into law.
  • It only applies if the bill had become a law, which it didn't in this case.

Plain language

Terms to know

Journalist
A person who, for pay or as a student at the University of Wyoming or community colleges, gathers, prepares, collects, writes, edits, films, tapes, photographs, or broadcasts news.
Privileged information
Confidential information that journalists are allowed to keep secret under this law if it was obtained in confidence while gathering news for publication or broadcast.

Official record

Sources

Validated
Official bill pageIntroduced textOfficial digestCurrent bill textStored full record

Public statements

Why lawmakers voted

Last checked Aug 5, 9:42 PM

Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker supports the bill to establish a shield law for journalists, noting Wyoming is currently the only state without such protection. He argues that protecting confidential sources is essential for maintaining a free press and allowing whistleblowers to share information safely.

Public statementFloor statement at 3:05:55 Watch the statement
Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the bill because he believes Wyoming currently handles source disclosure correctly. He argues that an absolute shield law would prevent necessary disclosures required to pursue investigations.

Public statementFloor statement at 3:08:00 Watch the statement

If a lawmaker is not listed, we couldn't find a published reason.

Wyoming roll calls

Recorded votes

1 roll call

H Failed Introduction 37-23-0-0-02020-02-13 · House37 yes 23 no
Yes
37
No
23
Absent
0
Excused
0
Conflict
0

Yes 37

Albert P Sommers Jr.H20Andrew W SchwartzH23CLIFFORDCatherine R ConnollyH13Charles F PelkeyH45Clark D StithH48Cyrus WesternH51DAYTON-SELMANDan FurphyH14Dan R KirkbrideH04Dan ZwonitzerH43David E NorthrupH50Eric BarlowR · H03Evan J SimpsonH21Hans HuntH02James A RoscoeH22Jamie L FlitnerH26Jared OlsenR · H11Jerry A ObermuellerH56Jerry D PaxtonH47John C EklundH10John L FreemanH60Joseph E MacGuireH35Landon BrownR · H09Mike YinD · H16Patrick SweeneyH58Robert A ClausenH06Sara BurlingameH44Scott M ClemH31Shelly DuncanH05Stanley L BlakeH39Steve HarshmanR · H37Susan S WilsonH07Theodore J BlackburnH42Thomas D CrankH18Timothy P HallinanH32Tyler E LindholmH01

No 23

Art WashutR · H36Bob NicholasR · H08Carl R LoucksH59Charles J GrayH57Clarence StyvarR · H12Clifford M JenningsH30Danny EyreH19David R MillerH55Donald E Burkhart JrH15Garry C PiiparinenH49John WinterR · H28LARSEN LLOYDLAURSEN DANMark S KinnerH29Michael D GreearH27Richard TassH40Roy H EdwardsH53Sandy NewsomeH24Thomas J WaltersH38Tim SalazarR · H34William D HendersonH41William H Mr. HaleyH46William H PownallH52

Official activity

Bill history

  1. H Failed Introduction 37-23-0-0-0House
  2. H Received for IntroductionHouse
  3. Bill Number AssignedLSO