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Committee defers bill that would ban under‑14s from major social platforms and require parental consent for 14–16s
Summary
Judge Wilford Carter’s proposal would have barred children under 14 from major social platforms and required parental consent for ages 14–16; supporters cited youth mental‑health harms while opponents raised First Amendment and interstate‑commerce concerns. The committee voluntarily deferred the bill to align definitions and coordinate with related legislation.
Judge Wilford Carter introduced a proposal that would prohibit children under 14 from using major social‑media platforms, require parental consent for 14‑to‑16‑year‑olds, and impose verification and parental‑consent duties on platforms. The sponsor framed the measure as a child‑protection step to address mental‑health harms and harmful content.
“Minors under 14 not be able to access these platforms,” Judge Carter said, describing parents’ role in oversight and platform verification steps. Supporters, including Representative Newell and Representative Boyd, cited research linking social media to anxiety and disrupted self‑image among teens.
Opponents — including policy groups and industry representatives — urged caution. The Pelican Institute argued state‑by‑state rules create a patchwork of regulation, raise interstate‑commerce issues and risk constitutional challenges. Committee members also flagged definitional conflicts with a separate, related age‑verification bill already advanced through the House.
After extended discussion and offers to reconcile language, the committee voted to voluntarily defer HB 1229 so the author can coordinate definitions and possible amendments with other sponsors and stakeholders.
What happens next: the sponsor indicated willingness to work with Representative Beaulieu and others to harmonize definitions and enforcement approaches before bringing the bill back to committee.
