GOP lawmakers file bills that would require ‘fact checkers’ to register with the state – By Paul Egan (Detroit Free Press) / May 11 2021
LANSING – State Republican lawmakers introduced legislation Tuesday that would require “fact checkers” to register with the state and face possible fines for improper findings.
House Bill 4813, along with HB 4814, would apply to members of the “International Fact Check Network,” according to the bill. That is an apparent reference to the International Fact-Checking Network — a unit of the Poynter Institute dedicated to bringing together fact-checkers from around the world.
The Poynter Institute is dedicated to improving journalism. Many newspapers and other media organizations use fact checks to test and assess the accuracy of political ads and other statements made by public officials.
PolitiFact and USA Today are signatories to the International Fact-Checking Network. The Free Press and its parent company are not, though it has employed journalists affiliated with PolitiFact and USA Today has the same parent company.
