Louisiana House Passes Kids Online Privacy Bill 99-0
The Louisiana House voted 99-0 Tuesday in support of a bill that would create a duty of care for online platforms with minor users.
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HB-37 "sets a minimum standard to protect kids,” said state Rep. Laurie Schlegel (D), a sponsor, on the House floor. Addressing free speech concerns the bill raised, Schlegel said the legislation doesn’t affect content. "The guardrails just [have] to do with design."
Louisiana lawmakers criticized videogame industry opposition to the measure at an April 28 hearing (see 2504280035). HB-37 would require covered online platforms, including websites and videogames, to prohibit adults from connecting with a minor unless the minor initiated it. In addition, unless a minor and an adult have a connection, the bill would prohibit the adult from sending messages to the minor.
Also, the bill would restrict covered platforms from disclosing or sharing geolocation of a minor with an individual who isn’t the minor’s parent or legal representative. And the platform would have to notify the parent or guardian when a child makes a connection with an adult.
HB-37 will go to the Louisiana Senate next. If enacted, it would take effect March 1, 2026.