SB10 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bobby D. SingletonSenator

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

William “Bill” M. BeasleyVivian Davis FiguresMalika Sanders-FortierRodger Smitherman

Session

Second Special Session 2021

Title

U.S. Congressional, districts redrawn, Sec. 17-14-70 repealed; Sec. 17-14-70 added

Summary

SB10 creates the Alabama Freedom of Online Speech Act to stop major interactive computer services from censoring users based on viewpoints or true facts and to allow damages lawsuits in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

Prohibits major interactive computer services from blocking, restricting, suspending, removing, or discriminating against a user’s account or content because of the user’s viewpoint or true statements. Allows affected users to sue for damages in Alabama circuit courts, with penalties of $100,000 per offense and $100,000 for each day the violation continues. Defines who counts as a major interactive computer service and sets size and presence thresholds (large user base, revenue, and Alabama business involvement). Includes exceptions for actions that comply with law, allows filtering options, and clarifies that the act does not apply to content transmitted outside Alabama or to press freedoms.

Who It Affects

• Users residing in Alabama or doing business in Alabama who use major interactive computer services and would be protected against viewpoint-based censorship and able to seek damages.
• Major interactive computer services that meet the defined thresholds and operate in Alabama; they would be subject to prohibitions on certain moderation actions and potential penalties if they violate.

Key Provisions

• Defines major interactive computer service by size, reach, revenue, and Alabama presence; includes criteria such as user counts, global revenue, and existence of business in Alabama.
• Prohibits actions against a user based on viewpoint or true statements, including blocking, removing, obscuring, altering, or discriminating against content or accounts.
• Imposes civil penalties of $100,000 per offense and an additional $100,000 for each day the violation continues.
• Allows individuals residing or doing business in Alabama to sue for damages in Alabama circuit court.
• Exempts actions that follow the law or are related to incitement of unlawful acts; allows user options to filter content; excludes expressions transmitted outside Alabama; does not restrict press freedoms under the First Amendment.
• Provides severability and an effective date of the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Reapportionment