By: González of El Paso, Patterson, et al. H.B. No. 499
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a warning label on certain 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 CERTAIN 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. 161.8015. APPLICABILITY. (a) This subchapter applies
only to a social media platform described by Section 120.002(b),
Business & Commerce Code.
(b) This subchapter does not apply to a website or
application used primarily for the purpose of interactive gaming.
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 to which Subchapter Z, Chapter
161, Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act, applies 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.