The Texas Senate has passed a bill that would require social media companies with more than 100 million monthly users not to block, ban, deactivate or discriminate against any user because of political views.
The bill, Senate Bill 12, sponsored by Republican state Sen. Bryan Hughes, was passed Thursday and will apply to Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and other platforms once it becomes legislation.
In a video posted on Twitter, Hughes said the bill would “bring Texans back online.
“I think we all have to acknowledge that these social media companies are the new town square.” Hughes said.
“And a small group of people in San Francisco can’t limit the free speech of the rest of us. What it needs is an open exchange of ideas, and Senate Bill 12 would bring Texans back online.”
He said the bill is on its way to the state House of Representatives, where it is expected to pass. He added that he hopes the governor will sign it into law soon.
The measure would require social media companies to publish their moderation policies, publish reports related to content blocked by their platforms and, for content that is removed, establish a grievance process.
Hughes acknowledged that the bill is likely to face legal challenges if it is signed into law.
“Even though they’re private actors, because they’re also common carriers (common carriers), because they choose to enter the industry and provide a service, they’re subject to certain rules.” Hughes told the Texas Tribune.
Note: Common carriers are those who are paid to transport goods or passengers for the public in a given area. By convention, a common carrier is obligated to accept cargo from any shipper and is responsible for the loss of the cargo.
Two companion bills have been sent to the House of Representatives, but have not yet moved through the State Affairs Committee.
Hughes is very optimistic about the bill. He said their team is strong, savvy and ready to take the fight to court.
“We know that if we pass this bill, we will be sued. facebook will take us to court. facebook, Google, Twitter have tons of lawyers and lobbyists who will fight us on this.” Hughes said in an interview with New Tang Dynasty TV in February of this year.
“But we’re on the right side, the law is on our side. Yes, we expect to see this bill passed and put in place to protect the free speech of Texans.”
Hughes said the issue “desperately needs a federal solution,” but they can no longer wait. He believes this bill will throw a wrench in the works to overcome federal restrictions and serve as an example for other states to follow.
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