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Bill

HB 37

CONTRACTS: Establishes a duty of care for online platforms who contract with minors

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tony Bacala and 41 co-sponsors

Louisiana requires online platforms to establish a legal duty of care when contracting with minors, effective June 2026, strengthening consumer protections for underage users.

Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 236.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 37

Legislative bill overview

HB 37 establishes a legal duty of care that online platforms must follow when entering into contracts with minors in Louisiana. The bill creates enforceable obligations for digital service providers to protect minors' interests in contractual arrangements, with an effective date of June 1, 2026.

Why is this important

Online platforms frequently contract with minors for services, subscriptions, and content access, often with limited protections. This legislation addresses a gap in consumer protection by holding platforms legally accountable for ensuring contracts with minors meet a standard duty of care, potentially reducing exploitative terms and protecting young users from unfair contractual practices.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition ambiguity: The bill's specific definition of "duty of care" and which online platforms are covered may be unclear, creating compliance uncertainty for businesses and potential litigation over interpretation
  • Enforcement mechanisms: The legislation doesn't specify remedies, penalties, or enforcement procedures, raising questions about how violations will be prosecuted and what consequences platforms face
  • Business impact: Online platforms may argue compliance costs are substantial and could result in age-gating services or reduced access for minors rather than improved protections

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

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