Committee advances social-media bill with AG edits; senator warns bans could backfire

The committee voted to pass SB 2761 SD1 with amendments adopting the Attorney General's suggested changes to clarify the preamble and make the bill consistent with Chapter 481B; the committee also broadened the definition of "social media platform" per the AG's guidance. The amendments aim to refine regulatory reach and address the AG's technical concerns.

Senator Awa questioned whether outright bans or heavy-handed restrictions would be effective. "The concern here I see is the content that these kids see, but a ban, I, I think that that decision, that generation will look at it and just rebel and find something else," she said, arguing that the underlying problem also requires parental time and broader social supports. Other members pointed to emerging research and citizen experience about the potentially addictive nature of short-form video features and supported continued legislative attention to platform design and youth exposure.

The committee adopted the recommendations and the measure will proceed with the adopted amendments. The transcript records members noting no objections from those present when the recommendation was adopted.