Bill > HB1255

This bill requires operators of social media platforms, defined as businesses or entities providing online services with at least one million monthly users that allow users to create public profiles and post content viewable by others, to establish a streamlined process for law enforcement agencies to contact them regarding search warrants, including a staffed hotline to respond to questions and acknowledge receipt of warrants within eight hours, and to comply with search warrants within twenty-four hours unless a court grants an extension for good cause. Additionally, social media platform operators must report to local law enforcement agencies within twenty-four hours if they take an "adverse action" against a user, which is defined as restricting, suspending, or terminating an account after human review due to the user posting content that violates platform policies regarding specific or imminent threats, with exceptions for content related to legally protected health care activities. Violating these reporting requirements is considered an unfair or deceptive trade practice, and the bill also makes technical amendments to existing laws regarding search warrants served on covered platforms, including increasing potential civil penalties for violations.