Leak Legislation Proposed in Senate

'Leak' Legislation Proposed in Senate

     The Senate Intelligence Committee is endorsing a provision that would make leaking any classified information to the press a felony punishable by up to three years jail time in federal prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The provision is being considered as part of an intelligence appropriations bill.
     Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) has been reported as saying that leaking classified information is a "chronic problem" and that "a tougher criminal statute" was needed to stop leaks of classified information, according tot he Associated Press.
     The legislation would criminalize the leaking or disclosure of any classified information to the news media. Currently, it must be shown that national security information has been disclosed for criminal prosecution to be pursued.
     This bill is meant to address government employees who leak information and does not refer to journalists, according to Sen. Shelby’s office.
     First Amendment advocates feel the bill restricts free speech and should fail. Such a law would lead to even more over-classification of government information by fearful government employees, said Lucy Dalglish, executive director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.