Bill · S. 1601· Senate(119-S-1601)
Journalist Protection Act
- Introduced
- 5/5/2025
- Last activity
- 5/5/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Richard Blumenthal
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Journalist Protection Act proposes adding a new section to title 18 of the United States Code. It creates federal penalties for individuals who intentionally assault journalists. The bill defines journalists and newsgathering activities. It establishes different penalties based on whether the assault causes bodily injury or serious bodily injury. Convictions could lead to fines and imprisonment for up to 6 years.
Yes
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?+5
Supports the freedom of the press by deterring physical violence against those reporting news.
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?+5
Protects the physical safety of journalists, thereby supporting the practical exercise of a free press.
Does this give the federal government more power?+3
Creates new federal criminal penalties for assaults on journalists in interstate or foreign commerce.
The opposite
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-3
Shifts authority to federal law enforcement for specific assault crimes.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Protection for Journalists: By providing federal penalties for assaults, the bill offers a legal deterrent against those who attack people gathering news for the public. (Sec. 2)
-
Legal Recourse for Newsgathering Interference: The bill specifically targets those who commit assaults with the intention of intimidating or impeding newsgathering. (Sec. 2(c)(3)(B) and 2(d)(3)(B))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Criminal Penalties and Imprisonment: Individuals found guilty of these acts face fines and imprisonment for up to 3 years for bodily injury or up to 6 years for serious bodily injury. (Sec. 2(b))
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+5Increases Federal Power+3Increase States Rights-3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+5
- 5/5/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Mazie HironoDemocrat · Hawaii