Oklahoma House Bill HB2931

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21
• Refer: 2/22/21

Caption

Human trafficking and child exploitation; creating the Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Prevention Act; directing retailers of Internet-enabled devices to equip products with certain filters; codification; effective date.

Impact

The bill also imposes a filter deactivation fee of $20 for consumers wishing to disable these protective filters. The revenue generated from this fee will be directed into the Oklahoma Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Prevention Revolving Fund, which will be utilized by the Attorney General for various initiatives aimed at combating human trafficking and providing support services to victims. This fund will enable the state to offer grants to local programs and organizations that assist survivors of sexual offenses, thereby promoting a comprehensive response to this pressing social issue.

Summary

House Bill 2931 aims to address issues related to human trafficking and child exploitation in Oklahoma by establishing the Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Prevention Act. A significant provision of the bill requires retailers of Internet-enabled devices to equip these products with default filters designed to block access to websites known to facilitate human trafficking, prostitution, and other harmful content. This legislative measure is intended to protect minors and vulnerable individuals from exposure to inappropriate materials online, thereby enhancing community safety and decency standards.

Contention

Despite its good intentions, the bill has sparked debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Critics argue that while the intention to protect children is commendable, there may be potential overreach in mandating filters, raising concerns over privacy rights and consumer choice. There is also apprehension regarding the financial burden on consumers, who must pay the deactivation fee, potentially limiting their access to information. Furthermore, opponents question the bill's effectiveness in genuinely reducing instances of human trafficking, urging for a more nuanced approach that includes comprehensive support systems for victims rather than merely imposing technical barriers.