Relating to establishment of the First Amendment Preservation Act

HB 3131, the First Amendment Preservation Act, prohibits West Virginia state agencies from contracting with media monitoring organizations or advertising agencies that use them. The bill defines "media monitoring organizations" as entities that rate news sources for accuracy, bias, or journalistic standards (excluding those tracking audience size or demographics), and requires agencies to obtain written certification from bidders that they comply with this prohibition. It applies to all state departments, boards, institutions, and political subdivisions using state funds for advertising or marketing services. The law aims to prevent state funds from being used in ways that could lead to viewpoint discrimination in advertising. This bill directly affects state agencies and advertising/marketing contractors bidding on state contracts.