Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act of 2025

Hozzl · 2025-03-28T11:53:00Z

Explore the details of Senate Bill 867 Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act of 2025 currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Science, Technology, Communications. Stay informed on legislative developments.

3/28/2025, 11:53 AM

Summary of Bill S 867

Bill 119 s 867, also known as the "Viewpoint Neutrality Act," aims to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prevent the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from penalizing broadcast licensees or individuals based on their viewpoints. The bill seeks to ensure that the FCC does not take action against individuals or entities for expressing their opinions or beliefs through broadcast media.

The purpose of this legislation is to uphold the principles of free speech and protect individuals' rights to express their viewpoints without fear of government censorship or retribution. By clarifying that the FCC cannot target individuals or entities based on their viewpoints, the bill aims to promote a more open and diverse media landscape where a variety of perspectives can be heard.

Overall, Bill 119 s 867 seeks to safeguard the First Amendment rights of individuals and uphold the principles of free speech in the realm of broadcast media. It aims to prevent government interference in the expression of viewpoints and promote a more inclusive and democratic public discourse.

Congressional Summary of S 867

Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act of 2025

This bill prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from taking action against or imposing certain conditions on individuals on the basis of viewpoints broadcast or disseminated by the individuals or their affiliates.

Specifically, the FCC may not revoke a license or authorization of, or otherwise take action against, an individual or entity on the basis of viewpoints broadcast or otherwise disseminated by the individual or entity or an affiliate thereof. Further, the FCC may not impose conditions on its approval of certain transactions on the basis of viewpoints broadcast or otherwise disseminated by the individual or entity seeking approval of the transaction, or an affiliate thereof.

Under the bill, the FCC retains its authority to take action or impose conditions on the basis of (1) violations of certain existing laws regarding lottery information, fraud, and obscene language; or (2) the broadcast or other dissemination of content that constitutes incitement under the First Amendment.

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Current Status of Bill S 867

Bill S 867 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 5, 2025. Bill S 867 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on March 5, 2025. Bill S 867's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. as of March 5, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 867

Total Number of Sponsors

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Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 867

Primary Policy Focus

Science, Technology, Communications

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 867

A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to clarify that the Federal Communications Commission may not take action against a broadcast licensee or any other person on the basis of viewpoint, and for other purposes.