Georgia House Bill HB910

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/24
• Report Pass: 2/21/24
• Engrossed: 2/29/24
• Refer: 3/4/24
• Report Pass: 3/13/24

Caption

Minors; civil remedy for damages against commercial entities that distribute material harmful to minors without performing age verification; create

Impact

If enacted, HB 910 would create a legal framework that allows guardians or affected families to sue companies that distribute harmful materials without performing age checks. This could lead to significant changes in how commercial entities approach the distribution of certain media types. The bill effectively empowers parents and guardians with legal tools to combat the distribution of harmful content, reinforcing the necessity for businesses to adopt robust age verification procedures to avoid legal repercussions.

Summary

House Bill 910 aims to establish a civil remedy for damages against commercial entities that distribute materials deemed harmful to minors without implementing adequate age verification measures. The bill stems from concerns over the accessibility of inappropriate content for children and seeks to hold businesses accountable for their distribution practices. By setting clear liabilities for failing to verify the age of consumers, the legislation attempts to shield minors from potentially harmful influences and supports parental control in media consumption.

Sentiment

Sentiment around HB 910 appears largely supportive among those advocating for minors' protection, including parent groups and child advocacy organizations. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step in safeguarding children from harmful content, while critics express concerns about the potential for misuse and overreach. There is apprehension about the implications on freedom of expression and the practical difficulties businesses may face in implementing strict age verification systems.

Contention

There are notable points of contention regarding the bill's implications for commercial entities and their operational processes. Concerns focus on the feasibility of implementing age verification technologies across various platforms and the potential for increased litigation costs. Critics fear that the bill may lead to an environment where businesses over-censor content to avoid legal liability, thus impacting the diversity of available materials. Furthermore, discussions highlight the need for balance between protecting minors and preserving free speech rights for both content producers and consumers.