Oklahoma lawmaker files bill to mandate journalism licenses and other requirements

(OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.) An Oklahoma lawmaker filed legislation to create the "Common Sense Freedom of Press Control Act" Wednesday, aimed at mandating journalism licensing, propaganda-free training, and drug testing for news media workers and companies. 

The bill, filed by Oklahoma State Sen. Nathan Dahm (R-Broken Arrow), is directed toward “any media outlet that includes opinions at any time in its print, broadcast, or other means of distribution”.

If passed, all reporters, producers, writers, editors, and other media employees would be required to complete a criminal background check conducted by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, receive a license, complete a State Department of Education “propaganda-free safety training course” developed in coordination with PragerU, provide proof of liability insurance no less than $1 million, and pass quarterly drug tests. 

All media companies would have to require employees to complete the propaganda-free course, receive a license and provide proof of liability insurance of no less than $50 million. 

Media companies broadcasting “video opinion” would also be required to air the following disclaimer during the entirety of its program: 

WARNING: THIS ENTITY IS KNOWN TO PROVIDE PROPAGANDA. CONSUMING PROPAGANDA MAY BE DETRIMENTAL TO YOUR HEALTH AND HEALTH OF THE REPUBLIC.

Licenses for individuals would cost $290 for five years. 

Licenses for media companies would cost $250,000 annually. 

Find the full bill here.