Missouri House Bill HB1855

Missouri 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/3/24
• Refer: 1/25/24
• Report Pass: 3/12/24

Caption

Establishes provisions relating to civil liability for publishing or distributing material harmful to minors on the internet

Impact

The impact of HB 1855 on state laws could be significant, as it introduces a framework for assessing and enforcing civil liability associated with virtual content targeting minors. This bill potentially expands the scope of legal responsibility for internet service providers, content creators, and distributors regarding how they manage or filter the material shared on their platforms. The provision may encourage more proactive measures among these stakeholders to ensure compliance with the new regulations designed to protect minors from harmful content online.

Summary

House Bill 1855 establishes provisions relating to the civil liability of individuals and organizations for publishing or distributing material deemed harmful to minors on the internet. The bill aims to enhance online safety for younger audiences by holding publishers accountable for the content accessible to minors. This legislative effort signifies a growing concern over the impact of digital content on youth and seeks to empower parents and guardians in monitoring and regulating the online experiences of their children.

Contention

There are notably different views among legislators and advocacy groups regarding HB 1855. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step in addressing the increasing exposure of minors to inappropriate material on the internet, thus promoting a safer online environment. However, critics express concerns that the bill might impose excessive restrictions on free speech and could lead to censorship of content. The balance between protecting minors and preserving internet freedom is a significant point of contention in discussions surrounding this bill.