DES MOINES - Legislation seeking to withdraw tax breaks and government incentives from Big Tech companies - if a court rules they have violated free speech rights by blocking conservatives from social media - was advanced Wednesday despite concerns it would be costly and problematic if lawmakers weaponized Iowa s economic development programs.
IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH
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Republican lawmakers have authored a bill aimed at what they see as censorship by progressive-minded social media platforms.
Legislation that would ban state and local government contracts or aid for tech companies that censor online content could endanger economic development and disrupt operations across universities and school districts, critics told lawmakers Wednesday.
The legislation, Senate File 402, was introduced by Senate President Jake Chapman, R-Adel, and 29 colleagues. It advanced to the full Senate Commerce Committee on a 2-1 subcommittee vote. Sen. Liz Mathis, D-Hiawatha, opposed the bill.
Chapman wants state and local governments to deny contracts and all incentives, including tax breaks and grants, to large tech and social media companies he accused of suppressing conservative viewpoints.
Iowa s Bill Against Big Tech Risks Economic Development governing.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from governing.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
DES MOINES - Iowa senators voted 30-18 on Tuesday to approve legislation directing the state Department of Human Services to upgrade its system of verifying eligibility for public assistance programs.