JAWBONE Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (16 Sep 2026): Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
What this bill does
Here's a plain-English summary of S. 4749, the JAWBONE Act:
This bill would amend the Communications Act of 1934 to create a new federal legal claim against "jawboning"—government officials using coercion, threats, or implied threats to pressure broadcasters, online platforms, or AI system providers into removing, altering, or restricting lawful speech. The bill defines coercion broadly, considering factors like tone, threatened consequences, and whether the government had regulatory power over the recipient. It exempts legitimate law enforcement, court-authorized actions, and government communications about its own official use of these services. The bill also directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to create standards for logging communications between federal officials and these platforms, and requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy to build a public, searchable database of these "covered communications," with limited redactions allowed for sensitive information.
The bill primarily affects federal agencies and employees, who could face lawsuits (including from individuals, content providers, or state attorneys general on behalf of residents) if found to have improperly pressured platforms. It also affects broadcasters, internet platforms, and AI companies, who gain new legal grounds to challenge government pressure campaigns. Remedies include damages, attorney fees, and court orders, though punitive damages are barred; the government must generally defend and indemnify employees sued individually, unless a court finds willful misconduct.
The bill was introduced by Senator Ted Cruz (with Senator Wyden) on June 11, 2026, and referred to the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. It has not yet received a committee vote, floor vote, or been enacted; substantial procedural steps remain before it could become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
16 Sep 2026
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Common questions
- What does S. 4749 do?
- Here's a plain-English summary of S. 4749, the JAWBONE Act: This bill would amend the Communications Act of 1934 to create a new federal legal claim against "jawboning"—government officials using coercion, threats, or implied threats to pressure broadcasters, online platforms, or AI system providers into removing, altering, or restricting lawful speech. The bill defines coercion broadly, considering factors like tone, threatened consequences, and whether the government had regulatory power over the recipient. It exempts legitimate law enforcement, court-authorized actions, and government communications about its own official use of these services. The bill also directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to create standards for logging communications between federal officials and these platforms, and requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy to build a public, searchable database of these "covered communications," with limited redactions allowed for sensitive information. The bill primarily affects federal agencies and employees, who could face lawsuits (including from individuals, content providers, or state attorneys general on behalf of residents) if found to have improperly pressured platforms. It also affects broadcasters, internet platforms, and AI companies, who gain new legal grounds to challenge government pressure campaigns. Remedies include damages, attorney fees, and court orders, though punitive damages are barred; the government must generally defend and indemnify employees sued individually, unless a court finds willful misconduct. The bill was introduced by Senator Ted Cruz (with Senator Wyden) on June 11, 2026, and referred to the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. It has not yet received a committee vote, floor vote, or been enacted; substantial procedural steps remain before it could become law.
- Has S. 4749 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 4749. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 4749?
- S. 4749 was sponsored by Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX] (R-TX), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 4749?
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably. (16 Sep 2026).
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