May 13, 2021
LANSING (AP) A Michigan Republican known for challenging the results of the 2020 presidential election has turned his attention to those who fact-check the claims of public officials.
State Rep. Matt Maddock this week introduced the “Fact Checker Registration Act,” which would force journalists and others who perform fact checks to register with the state and insure themselves with a $1 million fidelity bond. His legislation also would fine fact checkers $1,000 every day they don’t register.
The proposal, which critics argue would violate First Amendment protections for the press and free speech, appears unlikely to be a priority, even in a legislature controlled by his fellow Republicans.
Michigan Republican wants to create register for fact checkers and journalists
By David Eggert and Anthony Izaguirre
Published
GOP Rep. Matt Maddock
LANSING, Mich. - A Michigan Republican known for challenging the results of the 2020 presidential election has turned his attention to those who fact-check the claims of public officials.
State Rep. Matt Maddock this week introduced the Fact Checker Registration Act, which would force journalists and others who perform fact checks to register with the state and insure themselves with a $1 million fidelity bond. His legislation also would fine fact checkers $1,000 every day they don t register.
The proposal, which critics argue would violate First Amendment protections for the press and free speech, appears unlikely to be a priority, even in a legislature controlled by his fellow Republicans.
Michigan State Republican lawmakers on Tuesday introduced a bill that would require fact-checkers to complete a registration process with the state and be subject to fines for possibly reporting inaccurate findings. According to the proposed bill, House Bill 4813, with HB 4814, would be geared tow.
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A Michigan House Republican who has frequently questioned the legitimacy of the 2020 election is backing legislation that would create a state registry of “fact checkers.” The legislation, House Bill 4813, is sponsored by Rep. Matt Maddock, R-Milford. Maddock was one of more than a dozen state representatives who signed onto an unsuccessful federal lawsuit from the state of Texas claiming .