The Texas Senate approved legislation Wednesday that allows journalists to accurately report on third party allegations on matters of public importance.
Senate Bill 627 by Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, was agreed upon by the Texas Press Association, Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, the Texas Trial Lawyers Association and others.
It clarifies a recent Texas Supreme Court decision and allows reporting on allegations that shine light on such matters as contracting wrongdoing, youth commission abuse and mistreatment of special education students.
A similar measure, House Bill 1766, is pending in a House committee.