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Journalist Protection Act: New Penalties for Assault

This new law introduces stricter penalties for assaulting journalists who are gathering information or reporting on events. The aim is to provide them with greater safety while performing their duties and to protect press freedom. Citizens can expect journalists to be able to report more freely on public matters, contributing to better access to reliable news.
Key points
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 engaged in newsgathering, where the assault is intended to intimidate or impede their work.
The goal is to enhance journalist safety and ensure they can freely inform the public.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Expired
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_3121
Sponsor: Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-14]
Process start date: 2023-05-05
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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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 118_HR_3121.

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 2023-05-05.

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 engaged in newsgathering, where the assault is intended to intimidate or impede their work.
  • The goal is to enhance journalist safety and ensure they can freely inform the public.
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-14].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-25.

CATEGORIES

Courts and Law Media and Culture Security