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Bill

PS 304

Para establecer la “Ley para la Protección de Fuentes Periodísticas” a los fines de que los periodistas o reporteros en Puerto Rico no sean obligados a revelar la identidad de cualquiera de sus fuentes de información confidenciales ni sean sancionados por negarse a revelarlas, establecer penalidades y causas de acción en protección al periodista, medio de comunicación o fuente; y para otros fines.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico law shields journalists from revealing confidential sources and establishes legal penalties for those attempting to compel disclosure.

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Bill Summary · PS 304

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 304 establishes a "Law for the Protection of Journalistic Sources" in Puerto Rico that shields journalists and reporters from being compelled to reveal the identities of confidential sources or face sanctions for refusing to do so. The bill creates legal protections and remedies for journalists, media outlets, and sources, with specified penalties for violations.

Why is this important

Protecting journalist-source confidentiality is fundamental to investigative reporting on corruption, crime, and government misconduct—areas where sources often fear retaliation. Without such legal protections, sources may refuse to speak to journalists, significantly limiting public access to information about matters of public interest. This directly affects citizens' ability to hold powerful institutions accountable.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope limitations: The bill may need to address whether protections apply in all circumstances or if exceptions exist (e.g., national security, imminent danger, criminal activity). Overly broad protections could theoretically shield sources involved in illegal activity.
  • Judicial override mechanisms: Unclear whether courts retain authority to compel disclosure in specific cases or if protections are absolute, which could create conflicts with criminal defendants' rights to confront witnesses or compel exculpatory evidence.
  • Definition of "journalist": The bill must clarify whether protections extend only to traditional media employees or also cover independent bloggers, freelancers, and digital publishers—an increasingly important distinction.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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