Free Speech Victory in West Virginia
As West Virginia's legislative session closed, Hazlitt Coalition members pushed SB531, the First Amendment Preservation Act, through both chambers. It's now awaiting the Governor's signature.
What the Bill Does
SB531 prohibits state agencies from contracting with private media rating companies to target and discredit opposition speech. It stops the government from outsourcing censorship by paying third-party organizations to label dissenting viewpoints as "disinformation."
The First Amendment already prohibits direct government censorship. But governments at all levels have found workarounds by partnering with private companies to flag and suppress speech they disagree with. SB531 closes that loophole in West Virginia, protecting the freedom of thought and expression of 1.7 million West Virginians.
West Virginia's Full Session Results
SB531 was one of several strong bills that passed both chambers this session:
- SB84 prevents law enforcement from installing unwarranted cameras on private property. Passed both chambers unanimously.
- SB659 preempts local land use regulations to guarantee property rights. Passed the House 85 to 10.
- SB956 authorizes physician assistants to open independent practices. Passed the Senate unanimously.
- SB963 prohibits firearm seizures without due process under protective orders. Passed the Senate 22-11.
Free speech, property rights, privacy, healthcare freedom, and due process all advanced in a single session.
Behind the Scenes
Liberty Action's Senior Legislative Advisor Erik Mortensen (Mort) worked closely with Hazlitt members in West Virginia throughout the session, including efforts to expose fake conservatives in the state who attempted to kill liberty bills. These accountability efforts informed voters about where their legislators really stood during the 2026 session .
A Lighthouse State
West Virginia is becoming what Liberty Action calls a "Lighthouse State." Liberty principles are getting signed into law here, session after session. With the Governor's signature expected, the First Amendment Preservation Act will be one of the strongest anti-censorship laws in the country.
