Gov. Perry: Please sign the Free Flow of Information Act
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The people's wishes are laying on Gov. Perry's desk. These wishes are the bills awaiting his signature to go into law.
One of these wishes is the Free Flow of Information Act, a law that will protect whistleblowers who are afraid they will lose their livelihood if their identities are revealed, yet they cannot with good conscience ignore wrongdoing. These important people give the information to journalists in hopes that the wrongdoing can be corrected by exposing it to the public. The law will enable journalists to keep their sources private, including their notes, recordings and videos.
The Texas Senate and House voted to approve the legislation unanimously - no dissenting votes. This display of unanimity by our representatives is clear. The people in Texas want wrongdoing exposed. The Free Flow Act will be a tool for journalists working with whistleblowers, and more wrongdoing can be exposed because whistleblowers and journalists will be shielded.
Now, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Speaker of the House Joe Straus have signed the law, according to Ken Whalen of the Texas Daily Newspaper Association. The bill was sent to Gov. Rick Perry's desk Monday.
Gov. Perry has 10 days to sign or veto the bill. If he ignores the bill, it will go into law after 10 days. The law is effective immediately after signing or sans signature after the 10 days. The law will take effect on May 14 if it is not vetoed.
We urge Gov. Perry to sign this bill and concur with the Texas Legislature, which represents the populace of the entire state. The law benefits us because it will serve to fight crimes of all types - many that now go unpunished because someone is afraid to talk.
Again, we urge Gov. Perry to embrace the Free Flow of Information Act. Only good can come of it.
This editorial reflects the views of the Victoria Advocate's editorial board.
Comments
After communicating with Chris about my concerns and taking the time to read the text of this legislation, I support the Act. It does not give an absolute privilege to not disclose sources, so news reportors can not just talk trash and get by with it.
May 9, 2009 at 9:25 p.m.This whole issue in Texas may be a mute point, because it appears that a national Free Flow of Information Act is in the works. And it will override any state legislation.
So, I don't see why the Governor would not sign the bill.
Dustin is a errr.... nevermind.
May 9, 2009 at 6:39 p.m.I would also like to know why Governor Rick Perry is blocking HB 222? The bill would license and regulate poker in the state of Texas.
May 9, 2009 at 5:48 p.m.Fatboy,
May 9, 2009 at 3:49 p.m.You couldn't have said it better.
Dustin,
We're accountable every day with every story. You frequently post your complaints about the police. This law would protect you if you were a whistleblower about real police abuse and asked the newspaper to investigate. Journalists would be able to protect your identity with a shield law.
If you have any specific concerns about a story, I'd be happy to talk with you about that. My office number is 361-574-1271. I'll be there tonight working on election coverage.
Information is currency for democracy.
May 9, 2009 at 3:23 p.m.BAN THIS LAW this will give the Victoria Advocate all the room they need to lie about stories. They can print or say anything they want about anything and don't have to provide any sources or proof as to what there saying. Thats why they want this law so they don't have to be held accountable.
May 9, 2009 at 2:56 p.m.