The Mexican state of Chihuahua has passed the first shield law in Mexico, the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas reported.

The bill, which is expected to go into law this year, is described as "general" and just "a first step toward strengthening protective measures for journalists." Under its provisions, "authorities" cannot "review"  "computers, recordings or any other tool journalists use," according to the Knight Center.

Journalists in Chihuahua also now are protected from revealing sources during court testimony.

StinkyJournalism wrote in October when the governor of Chihuahua created tougher penalties for killers of journalists.

Hat Tip: Roy Greenslade