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TexasTowelie

(111,304 posts)
Fri May 15, 2015, 05:54 PM May 2015

Bill that provides libel protection to reporters headed to Abbott for signature

Accuracy in watchdog reporting may soon be a defense to a libel suit under a measure passed by the state House today.

The proposed legislation would steel reporters and news organizations against legal action for accurate reporting based on a source’s allegations “regarding a matter of public concern.” The bill is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott for his signature.

The measure was authored by state Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, and state Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, who worked on the bill’s language with the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, the Texas Press Association, the Texas Association of Broadcasters and the Texas Trial Lawyers Association.

Texas House representatives voted 139-0 to pass Huffman’s Senate companion bill, which already received approval in that chamber.Bill that provides libel protection to reporters headed to Abbott for signature

Read more: http://watchdogblog.dallasnews.com/2015/05/bill-providing-libel-protection-to-reporters-headed-to-abbott-for-signature.html/

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