S 448 · 111th Congress · Law

Free Flow of Information Act of 2009

Introduced 2009-02-13· Sponsored by Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA]· Senate

Bill Progress

Introduced
2
Committee
3
Senate Vote
4
House
5
Enacted
Latest: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 225.(2009-12-11)

Plain Language Summary

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] Free Flow of Information Act of 2009 - Prohibits a federal entity from compelling a covered person (journalists and their employers, etc.) to testify or produce any document relating to protected information unless a court makes specified determinations by a preponderance of the evidence, including that all reasonable alternative sources have been exhausted, that the testimony or document sought is essential, and that nondisclosure would be contrary to the public interest, taking into account both the public interest in compelling disclosure and the public interest in gathering news and maintaining the free flow of information. Requires the content of compelled testimony or documents to be limited and narrowly tailored. Creates exceptions relating to alleged criminal or tortious conduct, prevention of death, kidnapping, or substantial bodily injury, prevention of terrorist activity, or prevention of national security harm. Applies this Act to communications service providers with regard to: (1) a communication to which a covered person is a party; (2) any document relating to such a communication; or (3) the contents of such a communication. Sets forth notice requirements. Permits …

Summarized by Claude AI · Non-partisan · For informational purposes only

CBO Cost Estimate

Congressional Budget Office

S. 448, Free Flow of Information Act of 2009

Jan 21, 2010

<p>Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on December 10, 2009</p>

Full CBO report ↗

S. 448, Free Flow of Information Act of 2009

Jan 21, 2010

Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on December 10, 2009

Full CBO report ↗

Official non-partisan budget analysis by the Congressional Budget Office

Cosponsors (15)

11 Democrats3 Republicans1 Independent