SB 923
Creating Guaranteeing Rights Against Novel International Tyranny and Extortion Act
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, the West Virginia Guaranteeing Rights Against Novel International Tyranny and Extortion (GRANITE) Act, aims to protect West Virginia residents and businesses from foreign censorship laws imposed by foreign states and international organizations. It establishes a civil cause of action against these entities for threatening or enforcing such laws, particularly those that conflict with the U.S. and West Virginia Constitutions. The act also prohibits West Virginia from recognizing or cooperating with foreign judgments and extradition requests that could result in penalties for protected speech.
Key provisions
- Creates a civil cause of action against foreign states and international organizations for enforcing foreign censorship laws.
- Defines ‘foreign censorship law’ to include laws restricting speech based on content or viewpoint.
- Establishes standing for West Virginia residents and businesses to sue for violations.
- Prohibits West Virginia from recognizing or enforcing foreign judgments that violate constitutional protections.
- Creates a statute of limitations for filing lawsuits.
- Requires the Attorney General to develop rules for implementing the act.
- Specifies that the state cannot provide assistance to foreign states in prosecuting speech violations.
- Addresses service of process, allowing alternative methods to avoid facilitating foreign censorship.
Who is affected
- West Virginia residents
- West Virginia businesses
- Foreign states
- International organizations
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