Legis Daily

Censorship Accountability Act

USA119th CongressS-67| Senate 
| Updated: 1/9/2025
Eric Schmitt

Eric Schmitt

Republican Senator

Missouri

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The "Censorship Accountability Act" creates a direct legal pathway for individuals to seek redress against federal employees for violations of their First Amendment rights. It specifically allows any citizen whose First Amendment rights are deprived by a federal employee, acting under color of law, to initiate an action at law, suit in equity, or other proper proceeding for redress. This liability extends to individuals in the executive branch, excluding the President and Vice President, but prevents employees from suing their own agency or the Federal Government. Courts are granted discretion to award reasonable attorney's fees to the prevailing party, excluding the United States, in any action brought under this section. The bill also includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any provision is found unconstitutional, the remainder of the Act will remain in effect.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-2616
Censorship Accountability Act
Jan 9, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Jan 9, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-2616
    Censorship Accountability Act


  • January 9, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • January 9, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Law

Civil actions and liabilityFirst Amendment rightsGovernment employee pay, benefits, personnel managementLawyers and legal services

Censorship Accountability Act

USA119th CongressS-67| Senate 
| Updated: 1/9/2025
The "Censorship Accountability Act" creates a direct legal pathway for individuals to seek redress against federal employees for violations of their First Amendment rights. It specifically allows any citizen whose First Amendment rights are deprived by a federal employee, acting under color of law, to initiate an action at law, suit in equity, or other proper proceeding for redress. This liability extends to individuals in the executive branch, excluding the President and Vice President, but prevents employees from suing their own agency or the Federal Government. Courts are granted discretion to award reasonable attorney's fees to the prevailing party, excluding the United States, in any action brought under this section. The bill also includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any provision is found unconstitutional, the remainder of the Act will remain in effect.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-2616
Censorship Accountability Act
Jan 9, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Jan 9, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-2616
    Censorship Accountability Act


  • January 9, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • January 9, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Eric Schmitt

Eric Schmitt

Republican Senator

Missouri

Judiciary Committee

Law

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Civil actions and liabilityFirst Amendment rightsGovernment employee pay, benefits, personnel managementLawyers and legal services