HB391, titled the “Extend the TikTok Deadline Act,” would amend the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act to lengthen the deadline for divestiture of TikTok from 270 days to 540 days. In practical terms, the bill would give TikTok’s parent company more time to sell the app or otherwise comply with the existing law in order to avoid a ban in the United States.
The bill does not change the underlying policy framework that targets foreign adversary-controlled applications; it only extends the compliance timeline. By doubling the deadline, the measure would delay any enforcement action tied to the current divest-or-ban requirement and would affect TikTok, its owners, potential buyers, and federal regulators responsible for implementing the statute.
Impact
If enacted, HB391 would amend a federal law codified in the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act by replacing the 270-day divestiture deadline with 540 days. That change would alter the timing of enforcement under the existing TikTok-related restrictions without changing the substantive prohibition on foreign adversary-controlled apps. The bill would directly affect TikTok, its corporate parent, prospective purchasers, and agencies tasked with enforcing the deadline and any resulting ban.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the measure appears to be a targeted, procedural extension rather than a broader policy overhaul. The introduction of the bill suggests support for giving TikTok additional time to complete a sale, but there is no available voting history or transcript evidence here to show broader legislative consensus or opposition. Overall sentiment cannot be measured from the provided record, though the bill’s purpose indicates a favorable view toward delaying the deadline.
Contention
The central point of contention is likely whether TikTok should receive more time to divest before a ban takes effect. Supporters would view the extension as a practical accommodation for a complex sale process, while opponents may see it as weakening or delaying enforcement of national-security-focused restrictions on foreign adversary-controlled applications. Because no committee transcripts or votes are provided, specific member positions are not available, but the issue itself pits deadline flexibility against concerns about foreign ownership and data/security risks.
Terminate TikTok on Campus Act of 2023 This bill prohibits an institution of higher education (IHE) from receiving federal funds unless the IHE takes certain actions to ban the use of the social media video application TikTok. Specifically, the IHE must develop and implement standards and guidelines (1) prohibiting the use of TikTok on electronic devices owned or issued by the IHE, and (2) requiring the removal of TikTok from these devices. The bill includes an exception for research that (1) is conducted, supervised, or authorized by an IHE's faculty; and (2) pertains to national security, law enforcement, telecommunications, or cybersecurity.