Panel approves private right-of-action framework aimed at social media harms; sponsor says companies seek amendments

Senate Bill 612, a private-right-of-action framework that creates civil remedies related to certain harms allegedly caused by social media platforms, passed the Senate Judiciary Committee after sponsor testimony and a period of questioning from committee members.

Sponsor Senator Tyler Deese, District 35, told the committee SB 6 12 is “a framework for if there is harm being done and provable harm, to the users,” and described it as an effort to give parents and courts tools to seek remedies when platforms cause demonstrable damage. He said the bill builds on Arkansas’ earlier social media safety law and similar statutes in other states.

Committee questioning focused on proof standards and the range of covered harms. Senator Tucker pointed to specific subsections and asked how verifiable harms such as suicide attempts, controlled-substance purchases, eating disorders or “sustaining an addiction to the social media platform” would be proven. Deese responded that the bill is a framework to allow courts to adjudicate those disputes and that other states’ models informed the language. He also noted the bill assigns different remedies for different harms: members discussed that certain harms in the draft carry a civil penalty (for example, a $10,000 penalty cited during questioning) while the committee debated whether other harms would allow recoverable damages beyond statutory penalties.

Deese told members he had received amendment requests from technology companies and that discussions were continuing. “We have received some requests for amendments from different companies. We are reviewing those … I have full intentions to continue those conversations,” he said.

The committee approved the bill on a voice vote. The sponsor said he intends to continue negotiations with companies about definitions and exclusions before floor consideration.