H 4674
An Act protecting employee free speech
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, An Act protecting employee free speech, aims to safeguard employees’ rights to speak freely about political and religious matters without fear of discipline or discharge. It prohibits employers, including the state and its subdivisions, from penalizing employees for exercising their First Amendment rights or refusing to participate in meetings focused on religious or political opinions. The bill establishes a process for employees to seek damages and attorney’s fees if they are harmed by such actions, with potential for treble damages and punitive damages. It also includes exceptions for necessary job information, higher education institutions, and casual conversations.
Key provisions
- Prohibits employers from disciplining or discharging employees for exercising free speech rights related to political or religious matters.
- Defines ‘political matters’ and ‘religious matters’ for the purpose of the law.
- Allows employees to refuse to attend meetings focused on employer opinions regarding religious or political matters.
- Provides for potential damages, including treble damages and punitive damages, for employees harmed by employer actions.
- Specifies exceptions for job-related information, higher education communications, and casual conversations.
- Excludes religious organizations primarily used for religious purposes from the bill’s protections.
- Grants the Attorney General the authority to investigate and prosecute violations.
Who is affected
- Employees
- Employers (including state and local governments)
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Cosponsors
David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf
Estela A. Reyes
James B. Eldridge
Margaret R. Scarsdale
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Bill H.4674 194th (Current)
An Act protecting employee free speech
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on the Judiciary Status: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
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Bill History Cosponsors Committee Vote Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 3 actions for Bill H.4674
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 11/3/2025 | House | Reported from the committee on The Judiciary |
| 11/3/2025 | House | New draft of H1653 |
| 11/3/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means |
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