A down arrow in the Judiciary Committee’s back room usually means an unfavorable report in the public voting session.

Not this time.

When I testified on my reporter’s shield bill last month, it was clear that the legislation would die unless I narrowed the proposed definition of “journalist.”

House Bill 385 had a down arrow on the voting list distributed at the subsequent backroom meeting of the Judiciary Committee leadership.

I distributed an amendment removing self-employed journalists from the bill’s protection.  Only people in a contractual relationship with the news media would gain the right not to reveal their confidential sources if subpoenaed.

At the next backroom meeting, still a down arrow.

In response to the concerns raised this time, Delegate Simmons and I drafted another amendment, limiting the shield to work performed “within the scope of a contract.”

This change earned us a “Jump ball” (no recommendation) designation.

Progress.

The public voting session would take place after Thursday’s bill hearings.  When a colleague would walk out of the room that afternoon, I would follow and explain the amended bill.

It passed, 21-0.