H.R. 1880 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Mar 5, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryLimits FCC power over broadcast viewpoints
The Federal Communications Commission (the agency that licenses and regulates broadcasters) would be prevented from revoking or punishing broadcasters based on the opinions they express on air. The FCC could still take action for things like lottery scams, fraud, obscene language, or content that legally constitutes incitement to violence.
How it affects you
If you own or run a broadcast station, this bill would protect you from FCC penalties based solely on your station's viewpoint or editorial choices. For everyone else, this affects what rules the FCC can enforce when deciding whether to grant or reject broadcast licenses and deals.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Mar 5, 2025)
Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act of 2025
This bill prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from taking action against or imposing certain conditions on individuals on the basis of viewpoints broadcast or disseminated by the individuals or their affiliates.
Specifically, the FCC may not revoke a license or authorization of, or otherwise take action against, an individual or entity on the basis of viewpoints broadcast or otherwise disseminated by the individual or entity or an affiliate thereof. Further, the FCC may not impose conditions on its approval of certain transactions on the basis of viewpoints broadcast or otherwise disseminated by the individual or entity seeking approval of the transaction, or an affiliate thereof.
Under the bill, the FCC retains its authority to take action or impose conditions on the basis of (1) violations of certain existing laws regarding lottery information, fraud, and obscene language; or (2) the broadcast or other dissemination of content that constitutes incitement under the First Amendment.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 1880
A BILL
Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act of 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Doris O. Matsui (D-CA-7) · Introduced Mar 5, 2025 · Science, Technology, Communications · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Mar 5, 2025: “Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.”