What does Preamble of Journalist Protection Act do?

This bill proposes to amend Title 18, United States Code, to establish a penalty for assaults against journalists. The bill's stated purpose is to provide a penalty for assault against journalists and for other purposes.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Journalist Protection Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Journalist Protection Act.

What does ASSAULT AGAINST JOURNALISTS. of Journalist Protection Act do?

This section amends Chapter 7 of Title 18, United States Code, by adding Section 120, titled 'Assault against journalists.' The section defines 'journalist' as an individual employed by or working with an entity disseminating news, engaging in newsgathering with the primary intent to disseminate news or information of public interest. It defines 'newsgathering' as activities related to gathering, preparing, and reporting news or information. The law prohibits intentionally committing or attempting to commit acts causing bodily injury or serious bodily injury to a journalist. Acts causing bodily injury carry a potential fine, imprisonment of up to 3 years, or both. Acts causing serious bodily injury carry a potential fine, imprisonment of up to 6 years, or both. The acts must be committed with knowledge or reason to know the individual is a journalist, while they are newsgathering, or with the intention of intimidating or impeding newsgathering.

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Journalist Protection Act

Last updated: 5/5/2025 · Introduced: 5/5/2025

Author: Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a federal crime with penalties for intentionally causing bodily injury or serious bodily injury to a journalist while they are engaged in newsgathering.
The law defines 'journalist' as someone employed by or working with a news entity or engaging in newsgathering with the intent to disseminate news or information of public interest.
To be prosecuted under this law, the assault must be committed with knowledge of the individual being a journalist, while newsgathering, or with the intent to intimidate or impede newsgathering.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 3203(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

3 sections

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