House panel backs optional parenting-plan clause on children’s social-media images

A House committee on family law recommended House Bill 1039 “ought to pass,” endorsing an optional section on parenting-plan templates that would let parents set rules for sharing a child’s image online.

Representative Nelson, the bill’s sponsor, told the committee the measure would add an optional clause to parenting plans “relative to the sharing of a child's image on social media” to protect a child’s privacy and digital footprint and to reduce conflict between parents. “Social media seems to be the term that they're using and that it's broad enough,” Nelson said when justifying the language.

Members from across the panel voiced support. Representative Gray described the bill as a timely update given “social media, AI and all those things,” and Representative Raymond said he had considered tighter definitions but found ‘social media’ adequate after research. Representative Le highlighted parental concerns about photos and editing of children's images by family members or influencers.

The committee placed the bill on consent after a roll-call vote on the motion of ought to pass. The clerk completed the recorded vote and members agreed to move HB1039 forward for consideration on the consent calendar.

The measure would only add an optional section to the standard parenting-plan template; it does not mandate any particular approach. The sponsor and supporters said the provision is intended to protect children’s privacy and reduce litigation or disputes arising from parents’ differing social-media practices.

Next steps: Because the committee placed HB1039 on consent, it advances through the committee process on the committee’s consent calendar unless further action is requested.