Bills · HR 3203
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 3203Crime and Law Enforcement
Journalist Protection Act
INTRO MAY 5· LAST ACTION MAY 5
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it elevates assaults against journalists to a federal crime, reflecting a potential concern about the safety of those who report the news. In an era where journalists increasingly face physical threats while covering protests, natural disasters, or political events, this bill could provide an additional layer of deterrence and protection beyond existing state laws. If passed, it could send a message that attacking journalists is a serious offense, potentially helping to safeguard the free flow of information to the public.
Without this bill, assaults on journalists would continue to be prosecuted under state assault laws, which can vary widely in their penalties and enforcement. By establishing federal penalties, the bill seeks to create a more consistent and potentially more stringent response to such acts, particularly when they are intended to suppress reporting. Voters should care because a free and safe press is crucial for an informed citizenry, and this bill aims to protect the individuals responsible for providing that information.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
This bill creates a new federal crime specifically for assaulting a journalist, adding it to existing federal law.
This means that acts of violence against journalists could be prosecuted by the federal government, not just state governments.
PROVISION 02
The bill defines who qualifies as a 'journalist' and what 'newsgathering' entails, covering a broad range of media and activities.
This clarifies exactly who is protected by the new law and under what professional circumstances the protections apply.
PROVISION 03
It establishes different penalties based on the severity of the injury caused to a journalist: up to 3 years in prison for bodily injury and up to 6 years for serious bodily injury.
This ensures that punishments are proportional to the harm inflicted and provides a clear legal framework for sentencing.
PROVISION 04
The assault must be committed either while the journalist is engaged in newsgathering or with the specific intent to intimidate or impede their newsgathering activities.
This provision focuses the law on protecting journalists in the line of duty and against attempts to silence their reporting.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
D· California
YRS IN OFFICE
13
BILLS LED
10
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 1 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAY 5
Introduced in House
MAY 5
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 3203
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMay 5, 2025
Last actionMay 5, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAY 5, 2025
House BillHR 3203Crime and Law Enforcement
Journalist Protection Act
INTRODUCED MAY 5, 2025· LAST ACTION MAY 5, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
