In a move hailed by press freedom advocates, New Jersey Governor John Smith signed into law a bill aimed at strengthening protections for journalists and media organizations in the state. The bill, which was passed unanimously by the state legislature, includes measures to protect the confidentiality of sources, limit the use of subpoenas against journalists, and prevent harassment and intimidation of reporters in the course of their work.The new law, known as the Freedom of the Press Act, comes amid growing concerns about the safety and security of journalists, both nationally and globally. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 41 journalists were killed worldwide in 2025, with many more facing threats, harassment, and censorship in their work.In a statement announcing the signing of the bill, Governor Smith emphasized the importance of a free and independent press in a democratic society. "Journalists play a vital role in our democracy by holding those in power accountable and shining a light on issues that matter to the public," he said. "It is imperative that we do everything we can to protect their ability to do their jobs without fear of reprisal."Among the key provisions of the Freedom of the Press Act are new safeguards to protect the confidentiality of journalists' sources. The law prohibits courts from compelling journalists to disclose their sources without a showing of clear and convincing evidence that the information is essential to a legal case. Additionally, the law limits the use of subpoenas against journalists, requiring prosecutors to exhaust all other options before seeking a reporter's testimony or records.The law also includes provisions to prevent harassment and intimidation of journalists in the course of their work. Under the new law, any individual found to have harassed or threatened a reporter could face criminal penalties, including fines and jail time. The law also imposes civil penalties on media organizations found to have encouraged or tolerated such behavior.The passage of the Freedom of the Press Act has been praised by press freedom advocates, who see it as a step in the right direction for protecting journalists and ensuring the free flow of information in New Jersey. "This law sends a strong message that the state of New Jersey values a free and independent press," said Sarah Jones, director of the New Jersey Press Association. "We applaud Governor Smith and the state legislature for taking action to protect the rights of journalists and the public's right to know."