The state Senate's latest draft of a news media shield law bill would restore the protection for journalists against disclosing unpublished information, such as notes.

The protection is particularly important to traditional journalists, who do not want law enforcement authorities to subpoena notes as part of so-called "fishing expeditions" into work product.

Earlier House and Senate drafts would only protect unpublished information that could lead to the identity of confidential sources.

The new Senate draft, however, would still exclude bloggers and non-traditional journalists from the shield law.

Sen. Clayton Hee, the lead Senate negotiator, and Rep. Karl Rhoads, the lead House negotiator, are scheduled to meet again on Thursday afternoon. The deadline to reach agreement on the bill is Friday.