Bill · S. 1205· Senate(119-S-1205)
Free Speech Fairness Act
- Introduced
- 3/31/2025
- Last activity
- 3/31/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Sponsored by
- James Lankford
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Free Speech Fairness Act," seeks to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. It specifically targets 501(c)(3) charitable organizations. The legislation would allow these organizations to make statements regarding political campaigns. This is permitted if the statements are made during the ordinary course of the organization's tax-exempt purpose. Additionally, the statements must result in minimal incremental expenses for the organization.
Yes
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?+5
The bill facilitates the expression of political views by 501(c)(3) organizations.
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?+5
The bill expands the ability of charitable organizations to engage in political speech without losing tax-exempt status.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased expression for charities: Under Section 2(a), charitable organizations would not lose their tax-exempt status or be seen as intervening in a political campaign simply because of the content of certain statements. This occurs if the statements are made in the ordinary course of regular and customary activities to further their exempt purpose.
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Financial protection for organizational activities: Section 2(a)(1)(B) allows these statements to be made as long as the organization incurs "not more than de minimis incremental expenses." This provides a way for charities to engage in certain communications without violating their status, provided the costs stay within a very small limit.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts identified: The provided text does not contain specific details regarding negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+5
- 4/4/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/31/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Ted CruzRepublican · Texas
Roger WickerRepublican · Mississippi