New Hampshire House Bill HR12

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/25
• Refer: 1/10/25
• Report Pass: 2/11/25
• Report DNP: 2/11/25

Caption

Urging Congress to amend the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2013.

Impact

If passed, HR12 would not directly alter state laws since it urges federal action. However, it reflects growing concerns among New Hampshire legislators regarding federal legislation's influence over public perception and the dissemination of information. Lawmakers worry about the potential misuse of government power, especially in context to shaping narratives that could affect state residents' views and opinions. They advocate for a restoration of protections against government-sponsored propaganda to protect citizens from potential manipulation.

Summary

House Resolution 12 calls upon Congress to amend the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2013. This resolution is primarily concerned with the implications of the amendments that lifted the prohibition on the government disseminating propaganda to the American public. The sponsors of this resolution express concern that this change has allowed the government to adopt biased narratives and act as an arbiter of 'truth' in public discourse, thus undermining the integrity of democratic debate.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR12 appears to lean towards a critical view of the government's role in information dissemination. Supporters of the resolution convey a sense of urgency to restore prior prohibitions, highlighting fears that government propaganda could lead to misinformation and political bias. This represents a significant concern for some legislators about safeguarding democratic processes and ensuring that citizens receive unbiased information.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the broad implications of propaganda on a political level. Critics of the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act argue that the lack of restrictions on government messaging promotes the manipulation of public sentiment, while proponents of the amendments may assert the need for transparency regarding government communications. The debate reflects a fundamental conflict over the balance between state power and the need for free and fair access to information among the populace.