What does Preamble of JAWBONE Act do?

This bill amends the Communications Act of 1934. It aims to create a federal cause of action to address jawboning. The bill was introduced in the Senate on June 11, 2026.

What does SHORT TITLE. of JAWBONE Act do?

This bill is formally titled the "Justice Against Weaponized Bureaucratic Overreach to Networked Expression Act" or the "JAWBONE Act".

What does FINDINGS. of JAWBONE Act do?

This section outlines findings regarding private speech intermediaries, including broadcasters, interactive computer service providers, and providers of speech-enabling artificial intelligence systems. It recognizes the importance of these entities for access to information and individual expression, while also acknowledging their potential vulnerability to government censorship. The text expresses concern that government coercion of these intermediaries threatens freedom of speech and open inquiry. It distinguishes between coercive government communication and legitimate interactions, such as lawful enforcement or dialogue. The findings also assert a public interest in hearing government communications under the First Amendment. The section concludes that limiting government coercion to avoid evading judicial redress and the First Amendment is necessary, while preserving the government's ability to inform and persuade.

What does FEDERAL CAUSE OF ACTION FOR JAWBONING. of JAWBONE Act do?

This section establishes a federal cause of action against federal agencies, officers, or employees who coerce broadcasters, interactive computer service providers, or artificial intelligence system providers to take content actions. The definition of 'coerce' includes taking a harmful action, implying the possibility of such action, or threatening it, with factors like word choice and regulatory authority considered. A 'content action' includes adding, altering, or removing information, limiting interaction, or altering policies related to information moderation for broadcasters, interactive computer services, and artificial intelligence systems. Exceptions to the prohibition exist for lawful investigations, actions authorized by a warrant, and directions related to the official use of the platforms. An aggrieved person, including an information content provider, may bring a civil action seeking compensatory damages and attorney's fees. Punitive damages are not allowed in civil actions under this section. Federal employees facing lawsuits under this section may be represented by the Department of Justice and indemnified by the Federal Government, except in cases of willful and wanton conduct.

What does ESTABLISHMENT OF STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES FOR LOGGING COVERED of JAWBONE Act do?

This section amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to establish standards and guidelines for logging covered communications with broadcasters, providers of interactive computer services, and providers of artificial intelligence systems. The legislation defines key terms including 'agency,' 'artificial intelligence system,' 'broadcaster,' 'child sexual abuse material,' 'communication,' 'communication metadata,' 'covered communication,' 'expression,' 'information content provider,' and 'interactive computer service'. Within one year of the Justice Against Weaponized Bureaucratic Overreach to Networked Expression Act's enactment, the Director, in consultation with various agencies, must develop these standards and guidelines. The standards and guidelines are intended to assist agencies in carrying out requirements related to the collection, retention, and transmission of covered communications. The standards and guidelines must include recommendations regarding standard taxonomies, metadata collection, standard formats, data security, and audit controls. The Director must review and update the standards and guidelines at least once every two years.

What does ESTABLISHMENT OF PORTAL FOR COVERED COMMUNICATIONS WITH of JAWBONE Act do?

This section amends the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 to add Title VII, establishing a portal for covered communications with broadcasters, providers of interactive computer services, and providers of artificial intelligence systems. The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy is tasked with establishing this portal and requiring agencies to transmit new or previously unreported covered communications to it at least once every 120 days. A publicly accessible website will be created to provide detailed descriptions of covered communications, summarizing their contents and identifying requests for content actions, subject to redactions allowed under the Freedom of Information Act. A complaint process is established allowing broadcasters, providers of interactive computer services, or providers of artificial intelligence systems to submit complaints regarding potential violations of the Communications Act of 1934. Inspectors General of each agency must audit compliance with the National Institute of Standards and Technology standards and guidelines and the transmission of covered communications to the portal at least once every two years.

What does SEVERABILITY. of JAWBONE Act do?

This section establishes a severability clause for the Act. If a portion of the Act or an amendment made by it is found to be unenforceable or invalid, the rest of the Act remains in effect.

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JAWBONE Act

Last updated: 6/11/2026 · Introduced: 6/11/2026

Author: Ted Cruz (R-TX)

TL;DR (AI)

The JAWBONE Act amends the Communications Act of 1934 to create a federal legal avenue for entities like broadcasters and AI system providers to sue federal agencies that attempt to coerce them into altering content.
The bill defines 'coercion' as actions, implications, or threats by government entities that influence content decisions, with exceptions for lawful investigations and authorized actions.
It establishes standards and guidelines for federal agencies regarding the logging of communications with broadcasters, interactive computer service providers, and AI system providers, to be developed and regularly updated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
The Act mandates the creation of a public portal managed by the Office of Science and Technology Policy, requiring agencies to regularly submit details of their communications and content requests to it.
A complaint process is established within the portal allowing affected entities to report potential violations of the Communications Act related to government coercion.

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