New laws protecting Texas newsrooms passed from 2009 to 2013

Over the three legislative sessions from 2009 to 2013, newsrooms have gained significantly greater protections under Texas law. Texas became the 37^th state to enact a reporter’s privilege law in 2009. In 2011, the Legislature joined 27 other states in adopting an anti-SLAPP statute providing for dismissal of meritless lawsuits brought against those exercising their free speech rights. In 2013, Texas became the 32^nd state to enact a retraction statute enabling publishers to correct mistakes in a timely manner and limit legal exposure.