Press Release: 8/3/2026

Mass. Legislature Takes Steps to Adopt Shield Law to Protect Journalists

 

July 31, 2026 

 

On July 30th, the Massachusetts Senate unanimously adopted language that would create a shield law to help shield journalists from being forced to reveal confidential sources. Massachusetts is one of a nine states that currently lacks a shield law.

Senator Rebecca Raush’s amendment, added to broader state public records legislation, would prohibit a court, grand jury or other member of the government with subpoena power from compelling a journalist or news organization to testify about, produce or otherwise disclose the identity of a confidential source of information.

The News/Media Alliance commends the Massachusetts Senate for the effort to protect a free press and will continue to work with the Massachusetts News Paper Association and other journalism advocates to push the measure forward as House and Senate leadership negotiate a final public records package.