The bill, H.B. No. 2173, aims to address mental health concerns associated with minors' social media usage by mandating that social media platforms display a warning label on their landing pages. This label will inform users about the potential link between significant mental health issues and the use of social media by minors. The bill introduces a new section, Subchapter Z, to Chapter 161 of the Health and Safety Code, which includes definitions for "social media platform" and "user" as per existing law. It also requires the executive commissioner to establish rules regarding the form and content of the warning label.

The implementation of this requirement is set to take effect on March 1, 2026, giving social media platforms time to comply with the new regulations. The executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission is tasked with adopting the necessary rules by January 1, 2026. The bill is scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2025, establishing a timeline for the introduction of these mental health warning labels on social media platforms operating in Texas.

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