'Trying to intimidate and harass journalists': Michigan GOP lawmakers want to require 'fact checkers' to register with the state

12 May 2021

Take a wild guess who won PolitiFact fact-checkers' 'Lie of the Year' award

Michigan State Republican lawmakers on Tuesday introduced a bill that would require "fact-checkers" to complete a registration process with the state and be subject to fines for possibly reporting inaccurate findings.

According to the proposed bill, House Bill 4813, with HB 4814, would be geared toward members of the "International Fact Check Network," reports Detroit Free Press. The International Fact-Checking Network is an element of the Poynter Institute focused on identifying fact-checkers globally.

Since newspapers, online news outlets and other publications typically use fact-checkers to analyze and determine the accuracy of political ads and statements made by politicians and other public officials, Republicans were hit with a litany of fact-checks during the Trump era. In fact, many of the former president's claims were also refuted and challenged.

Now, Rep. Matt Maddock, (R-Milford, Mich), the lead sponsor for the bill who also supported former President Donald Trump's election lies, is attempting to do damage control regarding fact-checking. According to the publication, the bill "would require fact checkers to register with the Michigan Secretary of State and post bonds of at least $1 million."

Democratic lawmakers are already pushing back against Maddock's proposed bill. House Democratic Leader Donna Lasinski, (D-Scio Township, Mich) sounded off with critical remarks insisting Maddock's bill is just another way of promoting former President Donald Trump's "big lie."

Lasinski also lambasted Maddock's piece of legislation deeming it as an attack on the First Amendment.

"Maddock's bill is just another play in his brazen attempt to perpetuate the Big Lie," Lasinski said. "If trying to override the will of the people wasn't enough, now Maddock is trying to intimidate and harass journalists and others who work to promote the truth, keep our citizens informed, and hold our elected officials accountable."

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