Oklahoma committee advances bill to limit social‑media access for under‑16s amid First Amendment concerns

House Bill 1275, a proposal to limit social‑media access for people under age 16, advanced out of committee on a 12–2 vote after discussion about free‑speech implications and ongoing litigation in other states.

Sponsor remarks and questions focused on the bill’s intent to reduce harms to youth. The presenter told the committee the measure is “similar to a bill … passed overwhelmingly off the floor of the house last year” and that the proposal seeks to “protect our youth from the harms of social media by limiting access to those 16.” The sponsor said conversations have taken place with representatives of social media companies and that the measure remains under discussion but unchanged with respect to First Amendment concerns.

Representative Lanz Sandoval asked whether changes were made to address free‑speech concerns first raised during earlier review. The sponsor replied he disagreed the bill was an unconstitutional restriction, pointing to other states that have taken a similar approach (Arkansas, Florida, Utah) and saying courts ultimately will decide constitutionality if a suit is filed. The sponsor also argued that technological change could alter legal precedent cited by courts.

Committee members raised the existence of ongoing lawsuits in other states using similar language. The sponsor acknowledged awareness of litigation and said the bill’s backers hope to refine provisions during the interim and through conversations with platforms.

The committee adopted the bill with a do‑pass motion and second. The clerk recorded the vote as 12 ayes, 2 nays, and the bill was declared out of committee.

Ending: The sponsor said discussions will continue with platforms and stakeholders; no changes were adopted in committee. The committee record shows the bill will proceed to the next stage with the 12–2 recommendation.