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SB 612

HOUSING-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Don Harmon

Senate Bill 612 allows parents to sue social media platforms for harming minors, imposing penalties up to $10,000 for promoting harmful content like suicide and addiction.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 612

Summary of Senate Bill 612: Relating to Rent to Build Equity

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 612 aims to address the growing concerns regarding the impact of social media platforms on minors, particularly in relation to mental health and self-harm. The bill seeks to create a legal framework that allows for civil action against social media platforms that knowingly contribute to harmful behaviors in minors, including suicide and suicide attempts.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant provisions:

  1. Private Right of Action:

    • Parents or guardians of minors who experience significant bodily or cognitive harm due to exposure to harmful online content can bring civil lawsuits against social media platforms.

  2. Civil Penalties:

    • Social media platforms that knowingly and willfully contribute to a minor's suicide or suicide attempt may face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.
    • The bill also allows for the recovery of litigation costs and reasonable attorney's fees.

  3. Prohibited Activities:

    • Social media platforms are prohibited from using designs, algorithms, or features that they know, or should know, could lead to:
      • The purchase of controlled substances.
      • The development of eating disorders.
      • Suicide or suicide attempts.
      • Addiction to the platform itself.

  4. Definitions:

    • The bill provides clear definitions for terms such as "minor," "social media platform," and "immediate connection," which are crucial for understanding the scope of the legislation.

  5. Liability Exemptions:

    • The bill specifies that social media platforms are not liable for displaying third-party content or for actions protected under the First Amendment.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Minors: Individuals under the age of 16 who may be exposed to harmful content on social media platforms.
  • Parents and Guardians: They will have the legal right to take action if their child suffers harm due to the platform's content.
  • Social Media Platforms: Companies operating social media services that engage with Arkansas users will be directly impacted by the new regulations and potential liabilities.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: April 2, 2025.
  • Status: The bill has been reported from the House with recommendations for passage and has undergone amendments.
  • Next Steps: Following its passage in the House, the bill is set to be delivered to the Governor for final approval.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 612 represents a proactive approach to regulating social media platforms in Arkansas, particularly concerning their impact on minors' mental health. By establishing a private right of action and imposing civil penalties, the bill aims to hold these platforms accountable for their role in promoting harmful content.

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

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