S.B. No. 1626 aims to address concerns regarding censorship and interference with digital expression, particularly on social media platforms and through electronic communications. The bill clarifies the application of H.B. 20, emphasizing the need for state remedies against social media censorship, which has been perceived as a growing issue influenced by federal actions. The legislation asserts that social media platforms must serve as neutral public forums, allowing diverse viewpoints without discrimination. It also highlights the necessity of damages for violations of H.B. 20, given that platforms have not complied with the existing law.

The bill includes several amendments to the Business & Commerce Code and the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Notably, it redefines "social media platform" to exclude electronic mail and other forms of electronically conveyed communication, while also raising the threshold for what constitutes a social media platform from 50 million to 65 million active users. Additionally, it introduces provisions that limit the liability of social media platforms under federal law and specifies that users can seek both actual and statutory damages for violations, with statutory damages set at $100,000 for censorship of the user's expression and $1,000 for censorship of another person's expression. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Commerce Code 120.001 (Commerce Code 120)
Senate Committee Report: Commerce Code 120.001 (Commerce Code 120)
Engrossed: Commerce Code 120.001 (Commerce Code 120)
House Committee Report: Commerce Code 120.001 (Commerce Code 120)