MS HB455

Creates the "Stop Social Media Censorship Act" authorizing private lawsuits against social media websites with over 75 million subscribers that purposely delete, censor, or use algorithms to disfavor religious or political speech.

Establishes minimum statutory damages of $75,000 per purposeful deletion or censoring, plus actual damages, punitive damages if aggravating factors exist, and attorney fees for the prevailing party.

Defines "social media website" as open public platforms with 75+ million subscribers not affiliated with a single religion or political party and with procedures to report obscene materials.

Provides exceptions protecting social media websites when removing speech that calls for violence, harms minors, is obscene, results from court orders, involves impersonation, entices criminal conduct, or constitutes minor-on-minor bullying.

Effective July 1, 2023; applies only to users age 18 and older; allows Mississippi Attorney General to bring civil actions on behalf of state residents whose religious or political speech was censored.