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Senate advances bill requiring rapid platform response to warrants and reporting of imminent threats
Summary
The Senate adopted House Bill 1255 on second reading after extended floor debate. Sponsors said the bill shortens platform response windows for warrants and requires a 24/7 contact mechanism and a duty to report certain adverse actions to local law enforcement; opponents warned of constitutional and surveillance concerns.
The Senate voted to adopt House Bill 1255 on second reading after extended floor debate over whether the state should require social‑media platforms to expedite law‑enforcement access and report certain account actions.
Senator Cutter, the floor sponsor, said the measure was prompted by the September 2025 shooting at Evergreen High School and aims to close gaps in how threats on social media are identified and escalated to local authorities. "This requires social media companies to comply with search warrants within 24 hours and it requires platforms to provide a streamlined process for law enforcement to contact the social media platform, including a 24/7 staffed hotline," Cutter said, outlining the sponsor's recommended operational steps.
Cutter described the bill's reporting duty as triggered when a platform takes "an adverse action"—suspension, restriction or termination—based on content the platform believes involves a specific and imminent threat; platforms must notify a local law‑enforcement agency within 24 hours of that adverse action. She framed the bill as a public‑safety measure and said stakeholders, including local sheriffs and district attorneys, participated in shaping the language.
Opponents on the floor, led by Senator Zamora Wilson, argued the bill risks eroding Fourth Amendment protections and would create a state‑compelled surveillance function for private companies. Zamora Wilson warned of costs to smaller platforms, potential over‑compliance, and a chilling effect on speech. She urged rejection on constitutional and civil‑liberties grounds, noting the potential for increased litigation and enforcement burdens on the attorney general’s office.
Floor debate included discussion of amendments to harmonize the measure with related legislation; one conforming amendment (L18) was adopted. After further discussion and the adoption of committee reports, senators approved the bill on second reading by voice vote.
The Senate placed HB1255 on the calendar for third reading/final passage as the legislative process continues.
