The bill amends the Social Media Safety Act in Arkansas to enhance protections for minors on social media platforms. It introduces new definitions, such as redefining "account holder" and establishing "covered social media platform," which now includes platforms likely used by minors. The age of a minor is lowered from eighteen to sixteen, and the bill mandates social media platforms to implement reasonable age verification methods and parental consent protocols. Additionally, it empowers parents or guardians to take civil action against platforms that fail to comply with these requirements, establishing strict liability for violations. The Attorney General is also granted authority to enforce compliance, and social media platforms are required to conduct regular audits to prevent addiction-driven behavior among minors.

The bill increases penalties for violations from $2,500 to $10,000 per incident, with each day a minor accesses a platform in violation constituting a separate violation. Fines collected will be directed to a newly established "Crimes Against Children Fund," which will support the enforcement of the Social Media Safety Act. The fund will consist of moneys from grants, gifts, and other authorized sources. The bill also includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part is found invalid, the remaining provisions remain enforceable. The new regulations will take effect one year after the bill's enactment.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB611 V2 - 4-10-2025 09:38 AM: 4-88-1401, 04-10-2025, 4-88-1402, 4-88-1403(b), 4-88-1403(c)
Old version SB611 Original - 4-2-2025 04:09 PM: 4-88-1401, 4-88-1402, 4-88-1403(b), 4-88-1403(c)
SB 611: 4-88-1401, 4-88-1402, 4-88-1403(b), 4-88-1403(c)
Act 900: 4-88-1401, 04-10-2025, 4-88-1402, 4-88-1403(b), 4-88-1403(c)