Latest news with #SocialMediaSafetyActof2023
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Four takeaways from the 12th week of the 95th General Assembly
Video: Arkansas legislature update for April 3, 2025 LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The 95th General Assembly returned to a busy legislative session from spring break off-week. The Assembly will have one more week of sessions before its adjournment, and legislators are working to see bills through. Bills in the process include a struggling bill to allocate funding for a new prison, bills to tighten social media restrictions for youth, Medicaid for post-partum mothers and efforts to ease the voter initiative process. Booker sets record for longest Senate speech in history PRISON FUNDING A bill to allocate the remaining $750 million needed to build a 3,000-bed prison in Franklin County failed in three votes across three days for the week of March 31. An allocation bill requires a three-quarter majority to vote in favor of it, and so far, this has not happened in the Senate. Because it is an allocation bill, it may be resubmitted after a failing vote, which is the case here. The 94th General Assembly allocated an initial $75 million for the prison in 2023. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's nomination as Israel ambassador approved by Senate committee, floor vote to follow SOCIAL MEDIA RESTRICTIONS A pair of bills were submitted Tuesday to increase minors' social media use restrictions with the backing of Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The first bill revises the Social Media Safety Act of 2023, which a federal judge overturned on Tuesday due to First Amendment issues. The revision removes the proof-of-age check for social media companies—which the judge cited in making his decision—while adding the need for social media companies to have a parental-control dashboard and regular audits of their system access. The second bill allows parents or guardians to sue if a child is harmed or tries to harm themselves due to something they saw on social media. If the legislation becomes law, parents could recoup damages and attorney fees. MEDICAID A bill to extend Medicaid coverage to 12 months from the current six months for postpartum mothers passed the House on Monday and is making its way through the Senate. The bill expands the coverage beyond that of the Health Moms, Health Babies Act passed earlier in the session. Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs: Here's how much countries are getting hit VOTER INITIATIVE The Arkansas League of Woman Voters has re-filed its proposal for a ballot initiative in the next general election. The initiative would allow voters to approve easier access to the voter initiative process, in turn removing a number of restrictions put on the process during the current legislative session. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders promotes legislation tightening restrictions on social media
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced her support on Wednesday for two bills that tighten social media restrictions and update current laws. Sponsors introduced Senate bills 611 and 612 in the 95th General Assembly on Wednesday. SB611 amends the Social Media Safety Act of 2023, while 612 allows suing social media companies under certain circumstances. Keeping children safe on social media: What parents should know to protect their kids On Tuesday, a federal judge struck down the Social Media Safety Act of 2023 for its age-verification requirements, citing the First Amendment. SB611 amends that act by creating the ability to fine a social media company $10,000 for each day it allows a minor to access its services to view addictive or harmful material. The revision to the act includes striking the age-verification requirement and requires parental controls and annual audits for social media platforms. Federal judge strikes down Arkansas social media age verification law SB612 forbids social media from creating an environment that encourages a user to purchase a controlled substance, develop an eating disorder, commit or attempt suicide or become addicted to social media. If they do, they can be sued by a parent or guardian for up to $10,000 per violation, plus attorney fees and damages. The bill clarifies that it does not impact third-party content or content protected by the First Amendment or the Arkansas Constitution. 'Arkansas has led the nation on commonsense, conservative reforms to protect kids online and these additional protections continue that effort,' the governor said in announcing the legislation. 'Moms and dads whose kids have fallen victim to Big Tech deserve the right to take action against these abusive companies—and Arkansas law should protect kids so they aren't subjected to toxic material in the first place.' Social media influencer is a growing career choice. Colleges have noticed Sen. Tyler Dees (R-Siloam Springs) and Rep. Jon Eubanks (R-Paris) sponsor the legislation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Gov. Sanders announces bills targeting social media harm to children
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced two bills to expand social media protections in Arkansas, following her 2025 State of the State address. Senate Bill 612 would create a private right of action against social media platforms that knowingly cause harm through their design, algorithms or features, particularly contributing to a minor's suicide or attempted suicide. Platforms found in violation could face civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation, along with damages and legal costs. Parents or guardians of minors who suffer harm from harmful online content may sue the platform responsible, with courts able to award relief, medical expenses and punitive damages. 'This legislation establishes a private right of action for parents whose child commits suicide or attempts suicide because of his or her exposure to toxic material on social media, allowing them to sue abusive Big Tech companies in state court,' according to a press release from the Governor's office. 'Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act' passes Arkansas senate The second bill amends the Social Media Safety Act of 2023, expanding the protections provided to minors on social media. Key changes include: A broader definition of 'social media' to cover additional platforms. A reduction in the age of minors covered by the law to include those as young as 16. A ban on social media algorithms targeting minors. A penalty for companies that fail to comply with the law's provisions. Senator Tyler Dees and Representative Jon Eubanks are the primary sponsors. These changes will apply to new accounts created after the legislation is enacted. The amendments are intended to address issues with the original Social Media Safety Act, which is currently blocked by a court injunction. Governor Sanders signed the Social Media Safety Act into law in 2023, requiring parental consent for minors to create social media accounts. However, its enforcement is currently on hold due to a judge striking it down on Apr. 1. 'These amendments seek to remedy those issues and allow it to go into effect,' said the Governor's office in a press release. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
