Bill > SB1626

This bill aims to clarify and strengthen Texas House Bill 20 (H.B. 20), which addresses potential censorship on social media platforms, by expanding and refining provisions related to digital expression. The bill modifies the definition of "social media platform" to exclude certain types of electronic communication and services, and increases the user threshold for platforms covered under the law from 50 million to 65 million active monthly users in the United States. It introduces more detailed protections against viewpoint discrimination, allowing users to seek damages (up to $100,000 if their own expression is censored, or $1,000 if their ability to receive another person's expression is censored) and other legal remedies if a social media platform violates the law. The bill emphasizes protecting free speech by arguing that dominant social media platforms must be accessible to users of all perspectives and that states have a critical role in preventing federal censorship. The legislation stems from concerns about potential government interference with digital expression and seeks to provide legal mechanisms for users to challenge perceived censorship. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply to causes of action that accrue on or after that date.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB1626