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HB 1229

COMMERCIAL REGULATIONS: Provides relative to social media use for minors

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Wilford Carter

Louisiana bill requires social platforms to terminate and permanently delete data for minors under 15 (with parental consent for 14–15), prohibiting account contracts and enabling

Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Commerce.
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Bill Summary · HB 1229

Summary of HB 1229 (2026, Louisiana) — Commercial Regulations: Social Media Use for Minors

Purpose and intent

HB 1229 proposes to regulate social media platforms’ access and engagement with minors in Louisiana. The core aim is to prohibit minors under certain ages from entering into account-holder contracts and to require platforms to terminate and delete data for underage users, with a framework for parental involvement, enforcement, and penalties. The measure designates the Attorney General as the enforcement authority and creates civil remedies for violations.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions added: The bill defines terms including “account holder,” “daily active users,” “resident,” and “social media platform.”

  • Age-based prohibitions on contracts:

    • Minors under 14 cannot enter into a contract to become an account holder.
    • Minors aged 14 or 15 cannot enter into such a contract unless a parent or guardian provides consent.

  • Mandatory actions by social media platforms (for each age group):

    • Termination of all accounts held by the minor, including accounts categorized as potentially belonging to someone under the age of 14 or 15 for targeting content or ads. The bill specifies timeframes for when terminations become effective and for disputes.
    • A mechanism for the minor (or their parent/guardian) to request termination, with defined timing for effectiveness.
    • For minors under 14 or 15, termination can be initiated by the minor or by a confirmed parent/guardian of the minor.
    • Permanent deletion of all personal information associated with the terminated account, subject to applicable legal retention requirements.

  • Parental involvement:

    • Parents or guardians of minors (under 14 or under 15, depending on the clause) may request termination of the minor’s account. Timeframes are provided for effectiveness.

  • Data deletion:

    • Requires permanent deletion of all personally identifiable information tied to terminated accounts, unless laws require retention.

  • Enforcement and penalties:

    • Violations of the bill are deemed unfair or deceptive trade practices under current law.
    • The Attorney General may bring actions, with potential civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation, plus reasonable attorney fees and court costs.
    • Possibility of punitive damages for a consistent pattern of knowing and reckless noncompliance.
    • Affected minors may seek remedies including court costs and attorney fees.
    • Actions must be brought within one year of discovery of the violation.

  • Severability:

    • If a provision is enjoined, severability rules apply. If severed, the remaining provisions (prohibiting underage entry into contracts and the termination requirements) come into force.

  • Rulemaking:

    • The Attorney General may promulgate rules to implement the act.

Who is affected

  • Primary targets: Social media platforms operating in Louisiana.
  • Minors: Specifically those under 14 and those aged 14–15, who would face contract prohibitions, mandatory terminations, and data deletion requirements.
  • Parents/Guardians: Empowered to request termination on behalf of minor account holders.
  • Enforcement authorities: Louisiana Attorney General, with potential civil penalties and fees.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill includes defined timeframes for termination effectiveness and for dispute resolution related to terminations (specific days/weeks not provided in the summary).
  • Severability provisions ensure partial enactment if parts are struck down.
  • Reporting and rulemaking authority are vested in the Attorney General to implement the statute.

Note: The amendments referenced in the House Committee Amendments primarily refine organizational structure and cross-references within the act; the substantive provisions summarized above reflect the digest’s description of the bill as introduced and as amended for clarity.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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