HB213 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chip BrownRepresentative

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Russell BedsoleTracy EstesGil IsbellCraig LipscombRhett MarquesEd OliverRex ReynoldsJeff SorrellsScott StadthagenShane Stringer

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Tax incentives, prohibits censorship of posts or comments on websites receiving state or local tax incentives, provides exceptions, remedies

Summary

HB213 would bar websites that receive state or local tax abatements, credits, or incentives from censoring user posts (except for violent incitement) and would require refunds of incentives if they censor improperly.

What This Bill Does

It prohibits operators of eligible websites from censoring comments or posts, except content that incites violence. If a site censors speech in violation, it must refund the tax abatement, credit, or incentive it received. The state or local government must establish procedures to review complaints and enforce the act. The law would take effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Website operators that receive tax abatements, credits, or incentives from the state or local government; they would be restricted from censoring most posts and could owe refunds if they do.
• Website users and commenters on those sites; their non-violent posts would be protected from censorship on these sites.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits censoring any comment or post on websites that receive a state or local tax abatement, credit, or incentive, except for incitement to violence.
• If censorship occurs, requires the operator to refund the abatement, credit, or incentive received.
• Requires state or local governments to adopt procedures for reviewing complaints and enforcing the act.
• Effective date: 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

Taxation