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House votes to make intentional digital blocking of crisis hotlines unlawful
Summary
Delegates approved House Bill 7.06 to prohibit intentional digital restrictions that block access to crisis hotlines and specified websites (including 911/988); proponents cited personal experiences where blocked access prevented help and the chamber enacted the bill by simple majority.
House Bill 7.06 passed after floor debate. The bill prohibits intentionally restricting a device, network, or school-managed computer in a way that prevents access to designated crisis hotlines and life-saving websites (the sponsor compiled a list including 911 and 988 among others). The sponsor framed the bill as protection for people who are suicidal, trafficking victims, or otherwise prevented from reaching help.
Delegates probed the line between intentional blocking and legitimate device management (parental grounding, time limits, accidental timeouts, or network content filters). The sponsor clarified the bill targets intentional restrictions designed to deny access to listed emergency resources; routine parental controls or unrelated time limits were not the intended targets. School devices were explicitly included, and the sponsor said the bill was inspired by a personal incident where a school device blocked access to a crisis site. Several delegates described lived experience or friends saved by crisis lines and urged passage. The chamber adopted the bill by simple majority and recessed for lunch.
