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HF 451

A bill for an act prohibiting the state or a political subdivision of the state from entering into contracts with, or providing tax incentives or specified benefits to, certain companies that censor online content, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Henry Stone

HF 451 prohibits state contracts and tax benefits for companies that censor online content, promoting free speech and ensuring government resources support open information.

Subcommittee recommends passage.
#businessentities #contracts #internet #localgovernment #technology
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 451

Summary of Bill HF 451

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HF 451
Title: A bill for an act prohibiting the state or a political subdivision of the state from entering into contracts with, or providing tax incentives or specified benefits to, certain companies that censor online content, and including effective date and applicability provisions.
Status: Subcommittee recommends passage.
Introduced: February 18, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Business Entities, Contracts, Internet, Local Government, Technology

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HF 451 is to prevent the state and its political subdivisions from engaging in contracts or providing financial incentives to companies that are found to censor online content. This legislation aims to promote free speech and ensure that government resources are not allocated to entities that may restrict access to information.

Key Provisions

  1. Prohibition on Contracts and Benefits:

    • The bill prohibits state and local governments from entering into contracts with companies that censor online content.
    • It also bars the provision of tax incentives, credits, rebates, refunds, or any specified benefits to such companies.

  2. Court Findings:

    • If a court finds, by a preponderance of the evidence, that a company has violated the provisions of this bill, it will serve as conclusive proof of breach of any agreements with governmental entities.
    • Upon such a finding, any existing agreements regarding tax credits or other financial assistance will be canceled effective from the date of the court's ruling.

  3. Future Agreements:

    • Companies found to have violated the provisions will be prohibited from entering into any future agreements with governmental entities for tax credits or other financial benefits.

Impact

  • Affected Entities: The bill primarily targets companies that engage in content censorship, which could include social media platforms, search engines, and other online service providers.
  • Governmental Entities: State and local governments will need to review their contracts and relationships with companies to ensure compliance with this legislation.
  • Legal Ramifications: The bill establishes a legal framework for addressing violations, which may lead to increased litigation regarding content moderation practices of companies.

Procedural Aspects

  • Subcommittee Actions:
    • The bill was introduced and referred to the Judiciary Committee on February 18, 2025.
    • A subcommittee meeting was held on February 24, 2025, and the subcommittee recommended passage on February 26, 2025.

Conclusion

HF 451 seeks to safeguard free speech by restricting government contracts and benefits to companies that censor online content. The bill's provisions establish a clear legal basis for accountability and compliance, potentially reshaping the relationship between government entities and online platforms.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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