Accusations of viewpoint discrimination and political bias in big tech, particularly against

conservatives, has prompted calls for more action to protect social media users.

In response, lawmakers in Texas have passed an anti-Online censorship bill,

HB 20, that is now headed to the Supreme Court for a hearing on Monday.

In this episode we talked to the author of the bill about its purpose, the complaints

against it, and its upcoming day in front of the High Court.

I'm Daly Weyer, Editor-in-Chief John Bickley with Georgia Howe.

It's Sunday, February 25th, and this is an extra edition of Morning Wire.

Joining us to discuss HB 20 and its Supreme Court hearing this Monday is the

bill's author Texas State Senator Brian Hughes.

Senator Hughes, thank you so much for joining us.

John, thanks for having me.

So your bill has made its way to the High Court. so much for joining us. John, thanks for having me.

So your bill has made its way to the High Court.

First, can you walk us through the key provisions of HB 20 and how it would impact social

media platforms if allowed to take effect.

House Bill 21st of all recognizes that these major social media platforms,

specifically those with 50 million US users or more. These major platforms that have so much market power,

they are common carriers and they should be treated as common carriers, just like your wireless telephone company cannot cut you off based on

your politics or your religion.

For that same reasoning, which has existed for a long time in American law.

For that same reasoning, these major social media providers

...