Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits federal employees from censoring the speech of others while acting in an official capacity.

Highlights:

• Prohibits federal employees from censoring the speech of others while acting in an official capacity (Sec. 2).

• Prohibits executive agency employees, otherwise in competitive services, from the following, including (Sec. 2):

• Using their official authority to influence or advocate for a third part, including a private entity, to censor speech; 

• Censoring the speech of any individual who has a pending regulatory application with, or is the subject of or participant in an active enforcement action by the employee’s office; or

• Engaging in censoring while on duty, wearing a uniform, or using government property.

• Prohibits certain presidential appointees from censoring speech as any time, including outside normal duty hours (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that employees found to have violated the aforementioned provisions are subject to disciplinary action, civil penalties, or both (Sec. 2).

• Amends the definition of “censor or censorship” to include ordering or advocating for the removal of lawful speech, the addition of disclaimers, or the restriction of access with respect to any social media platform (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text