Amends current child labor laws to protect minor working as vlogger in certain circumstances.
The bill introduces the requirement for vloggers to set aside a percentage of earnings from vlogs featuring minors into a trust account, safeguarding these funds for the minor until they come of age. This is intended to prevent exploitation and ensure that minors receive financial benefits from their online presence, which is becoming increasingly prevalent. Moreover, this measure is expected to align New Jersey regulations with those of other states, such as Illinois, where similar legislation has already been passed.
Senate Bill S3183 aims to provide a legal framework for compensating minors who participate in vlogs operated by family members or caregivers. Specifically, the bill mandates that family members who run vlogs and feature minors compensate them under certain conditions. A minor is defined as under the age of 16 and is engaged in vlogging if at least 30% of the content produced in a 30-day period shows the minor's likeness or name, appealing to a substantial audience that generates monetary compensation.
While the bill aims to protect minors, it may raise concerns regarding the practical enforcement of these provisions. Family members or caregivers may find it challenging to accurately track earnings tied to specific minor appearances in vlogs. There may also be questions about the effectiveness and reliability of trust accounts proposed in the bill, especially regarding how easily access will be provided to the minors once they reach adulthood. Supporters argue it is a necessary step towards ensuring fair treatment for minors in the digital age, but detractors may see it as an overly restrictive regulation on family-run vlogs.