89R20756 MPF-D
By: González of El Paso, Patterson H.B. No. 499
Substitute the following for H.B. No. 499:
By: VanDeaver C.S.H.B. No. 499
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a warning label on social media platforms concerning
the association between a minor's social media usage and
significant mental health issues.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 161, Health and Safety Code, is amended
by adding Subchapter Z to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER Z. WARNING LABEL ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS REGARDING
MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN MINORS
Sec. 161.801. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter, "social
media platform" and "user" have the meanings assigned by Section
120.001, Business & Commerce Code.
Sec. 161.802. REQUIRED WARNING LABEL REGARDING MENTAL
HEALTH ISSUES. (a) A social media platform operating in this state
shall display on the platform's landing page each time a user opens
the platform a warning label concerning the association between a
minor's social media usage and significant mental health issues.
The warning label must include:
(1) information on available resources for persons
experiencing significant mental health issues, including the phone
number or link to the website for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline;
and
(2) a statement concerning the use of an individual's
personal data by social media platforms and the addictive nature of
social media usage.
(b) The social media platform shall ensure the user is
unable to operate the platform until the user verifies the user
understands the warning.
(c) The executive commissioner shall adopt evidence-based
rules regarding the form and content of the warning label required
by Subsection (a).
SECTION 2. (a) Not later than January 1, 2026, the executive
commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall
adopt the rules required by Section 161.802, Health and Safety
Code, as added by this Act.
(b) A social media platform, as that term is defined by
Section 120.001, Business & Commerce Code, is not required to
comply with Section 161.802, Health and Safety Code, as added by
this Act, before April 1, 2026.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.