On February 19, 2026, Wyoming made headlines in the world of media law as Governor Rebecca Foster signed a new bill aimed at protecting journalists' sources. The bill, known as the Wyoming Confidential Sources Protection Act, is a landmark piece of legislation that aims to safeguard the confidentiality of journalists' sources and strengthen the freedom of the press in the state.The Wyoming Confidential Sources Protection Act prohibits courts from compelling journalists to disclose the identity of their confidential sources, except in cases where there is a compelling government interest that cannot be served through alternative means. The bill also provides journalists with a legal privilege to keep the identities of their sources confidential, even in the face of legal challenges.Governor Foster, a former journalist herself, expressed her support for the bill, stating that "a free press is essential to a functioning democracy, and protecting journalists' sources is crucial to ensuring that journalists can continue to hold the powerful accountable." She went on to praise the bipartisan effort that went into crafting the bill, highlighting the importance of protecting the First Amendment rights of journalists in Wyoming.The Wyoming Confidential Sources Protection Act has been welcomed by press freedom advocates and journalism organizations across the country. The bill is seen as a significant step towards ensuring that journalists can fulfill their role as watchdogs of society without fear of reprisal or legal action.In addition to protecting journalists' sources, the bill also includes provisions that strengthen the protections for journalists from being compelled to reveal their notes, recordings, or other work product. This additional safeguard is intended to further shield journalists from government interference in their reporting.Overall, the Wyoming Confidential Sources Protection Act represents a major victory for press freedom in the state and sets a strong example for other states to follow. With the support of Governor Foster and the bipartisan coalition behind the bill, Wyoming is poised to become a leader in protecting the rights of journalists and upholding the principles of a free press.