PROTECT REPORTERS FROM EXPLOITATIVE SPYING

HB 153, the "Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act," prevents New Mexico state entities from forcing journalists or their service providers to disclose protected information without court approval. It specifically bars compelled disclosure of sources, notes, or communications related to journalism unless a court finds, by preponderance of evidence, that disclosure is necessary to prevent terrorism or imminent violence threatening serious harm. The law requires courts to notify journalists before granting disclosure orders (with limited 45-day delays for urgent investigations) and mandates that any compelled information be narrowly tailored and relevant. It directly affects journalists, their personal devices/accounts, and service providers like telecom companies, while explicitly allowing investigations into journalists suspected of crimes unrelated to their work.