OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE
Journalist Protection Act
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the official ID of this bill?
The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_4857.
Which chamber initiated this legislation?
This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.
When did the legislative process begin?
The process officially started on 2021-07-29.
What are the main provisions?
Key points include:
- The act creates a new offense: assault against a journalist, with penalties up to 3 years for bodily injury and up to 6 years for serious bodily injury.
- Protection applies to journalists while newsgathering or when the assault intends to intimidate or impede their work.
- It defines who a journalist is and what newsgathering entails, covering various media forms.
What is the specific legal status?
The current status is Expired.
Where can I read the full text of this legislation?
The full official text is available at:
View full text
Who is the primary sponsor?
The primary sponsor is Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-15].
What is the latest detailed status?
The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
Is this summary verified?
Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-28.