00:00Madam Speaker, today we take up a measure that touches two things that every democracy must
00:06protect, truth and freedom. And let me state at the outset, this bill is not about choosing one
00:14over the other. It is about preserving both. There are those who will say that any law
00:21addressing false information is a threat to free expression. That concern deserves respect.
00:30In a democracy, skepticism toward government power is not a weakness, it is a virtue. But there is
00:38another question that we must also have the courage to ask. What happens to freedom when truth itself
00:45becomes the casualty? What happens when lies destroy reputations, manipulate markets, incite panic,
00:53undermine public safety, interfere with elections, or cause real and measurable harm to ordinary
01:02citizens? What happens when falsehood is no longer an accident, but a deliberate weapon? Because
01:09freedom of speech was never intended to be freedom to knowingly deceive. We live in a time when
01:17information travels faster than verification. A fake emergency advisory can trigger panic. A fabricated
01:25election notice can mislead voters. A manipulated video can destroy reputations, inflame tensions,
01:32or undermine trust in institutions before truth has a chance to catch up. But let me be equally clear,
01:40in confronting disinformation, we must not become a threat to the very freedoms we seek to protect.
01:48Freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and freedom of the press are not obstacles to democracy.
01:55They are among its strongest safeguards. That is precisely why this measure attempts to draw careful lines.
02:02This bill does not criminalize ordinary mistakes, unpopular opinions, criticism of government,
02:10satire, journalism, advocacy, academic discourse, or legitimate political speech.
02:19Instead, it narrowly targets knowing and willful conduct involving false information disseminated with
02:26actual knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for truth coupled with specific intent to cause
02:34verifiable public harm or a serious threat to national security. The measure also recognizes that today's
02:41information environment is shaped not only by individuals but by digital platforms whose systems
02:49influence visibility, amplification, and public discourse.
02:54I move to vote on second reading house bill number 9465 as amended.
03:04Those who are in favor say aye, those who are against say nay, the I-7th house bill 9465 is
03:13approved
03:13on second reading. Congratulations.
03:18Majority Leader.
03:20Thank you very much and a very nice day.
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