This bill mandates that manufacturers of electronic tablets and smartphones install filters on their devices to prevent minors from accessing obscene material. It introduces civil liability for manufacturers that fail to install these filters and establishes both civil and criminal penalties for those who intentionally disable a filter to allow minors access to such material. The bill also outlines specific definitions related to the terms "device," "filter," "manufacturer," and "obscene material," and requires that all activated devices contain a filter, ask for the user's age, and automatically enable the filter for minors.

Additionally, the bill allows parents or legal guardians to bring civil actions against individuals or manufacturers who disable filters, with potential damages including actual damages or liquidated damages up to $100,000. It also specifies that manufacturers who do not comply with the filter requirement may face actions from the attorney general under consumer protection laws. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2026, and includes provisions for criminal prosecution for those who disable filters with the intent to allow minors access to obscene material.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 507-H:4