New Oklahoma bill would force journalists to be licensed by the state
According to Dahm's Senate Bill 1837, called the Common Sense Freedom of Press Control Act, "any media outlet that includes opinions at any time in its print, broadcast, or other means of distribution shall do each of the following before any articles, stories, opinions, news, videos, or other media are distributed to the public:"
The bill reads that each media company post a prominent "disclaimer" before each broadcast or printed publication stating "" WARNING: THIS ENTITY IS KNOWN TO PROVIDE PROPAGANDA. CONSUMING PROPAGANDA MAY BE DETRIMENTAL TO YOUR HEALTH AND HEALTH OF THE REPUBLIC."
According to Dahm's Senate Bill 1837, called the Common Sense Freedom of Press Control Act, "any media outlet that includes opinions at any time in its print, broadcast, or other means of distribution shall do each of the following before any articles, stories, opinions, news, videos, or other media are distributed to the public:"
- Complete a criminal background check.
- Receive a license from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, which regulates public utilities in the state.
- "[C]omplete a propaganda-free safety training course of no less than eight (8) hours as prescribed by the State Department of Education, which shall be developed in coordination with PragerU," which is a right-wing advocacy group known for distorting U.S. history and promoting climate change denial.
- Have liability insurance of at least $1,000,000.
- Submit to drug testing every quarter.
The bill reads that each media company post a prominent "disclaimer" before each broadcast or printed publication stating "" WARNING: THIS ENTITY IS KNOWN TO PROVIDE PROPAGANDA. CONSUMING PROPAGANDA MAY BE DETRIMENTAL TO YOUR HEALTH AND HEALTH OF THE REPUBLIC."