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.
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
Privacy Daily provides accurate coverage of newsworthy developments in data protection legislation, regulation, litigation, and enforcement for privacy professionals responsible for ensuring effective organizational data privacy compliance.
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.