Bill > SB531

This bill, titled the First Amendment Preservation Act, aims to prevent state agencies in West Virginia from contracting with companies that use "media reliability and bias monitors," which are defined as entities that primarily rate or rank news sources based on accuracy, bias, or adherence to journalistic standards, excluding those that only track audience size or compile news clippings. The act prohibits state agencies from entering into contracts with these monitors directly for advertising placement or purchases, or with advertising agencies that utilize such monitors for these purposes. Furthermore, any company bidding for state advertising or marketing contracts must provide written certification that they are not a media reliability and bias monitor and will not use their services for the contract. This provision also applies to existing contracts upon renewal or modification, and the act will take effect on July 1, 2026, ensuring that state funds for advertising are not used to discriminate based on viewpoint and reach the widest possible audience.

Justice

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=531&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill