SB 180 Alabama Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Government administration, state and local agencies prohibited from contracting with media monitoring organizations and certain contractors and companies

SB 180 would prohibit state and local government agencies from entering into contracts or agreements with "media monitoring organizations." These organizations are defined as companies that rate news sources for factual accuracy, misinformation, bias, or adherence to journalistic standards. The bill also prevents agencies from contracting with other companies that use the services of such media monitoring organizations, or from providing them support. Companies attempting to secure marketing contracts with an agency would be required to certify they do not use these services, and existing contractors would need to provide similar certification when modifying agreements. This act would become effective on October 1, 2025.

Bill status died 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 20, 2025 Last action May 6, 2025

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What changed between versions

Introduced → County and Municipal Government 1st Substitute · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to clarify the definition of media monitoring organizations, expand restrictions on agencies contracting with marketing agencies, add new exceptions for certain services, and include additional requirements for contractor certifications. These changes strengthen the bill's ability to prevent agencies from contracting with organizations that rate media based on misinformation or bias while allowing exceptions for legitimate analytical services.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to include additional restrictions on marketing agencies and new exceptions for services that help agencies respond to inaccurate statements.

DEFINITION

Changed the definition of 'media monitoring organization' from a list of activities to a clearer description focusing on companies that identify news as fake or negatively rank sources for accuracy, disinformation, or bias.

REQUIREMENT

Added new language requiring marketing agencies to certify they have no actual knowledge that their activities violate the act before entering contracts.

Added new language requiring contractors to certify they have no actual knowledge that their activities violate the act before extending or renewing contracts.

EXCEPTIONS

Added new exception allowing agencies to contract for services that assist in identifying or responding to inaccurate statements directly related to agency actions.

Added new exception allowing agencies to contract for services unrelated to the act, such as placement of advertising or marketing.

Floor votes

How they voted

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 18, 2025

Upper · Passed

Reported Out of Committee House of Origin

upper

Feb 20, 2025

Upper · Passed

Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (County and Municipal Government)

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors