2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25104223D

SENATE BILL NO. 1459

Offered January 17, 2025

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 44-146.17:1.2, relating to emergency services and disaster law; prohibition on media paywalls during states of emergency.

—————

Patron—Perry

—————

Referred to Committee on General Laws and Technology

—————

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 44-146.17:1.2 as follows:

§ 44-146.17:1.2. Prohibition on media paywalls during states of emergency.

A. For the purposes of this section:

"Digital media outlet" means a digital publication or broadcast medium that transmits news, feature stories, entertainment, or other information to the public through various distribution channels, including newspapers, magazines, applications, or websites. "Digital media outlet" does not include any social media platform.

"Paywall" means a digital barrier that is used to monetize content by partially, in the case of a metered paywall, or completely, in the case of a hard paywall, restricting users from accessing such content until payment is made.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (2) of § 44-146.15, in any case in which the Governor declares a state of emergency, no digital media outlet operating in the Commonwealth shall operate behind a paywall or collect personal information, including names and email addresses, from users who seek access to digital media regarding the subject matter of any declared state of emergency while such state of emergency is in effect.