H.B. No. 3862 aims to prohibit children under the age of 18 from using social media platforms in Texas. The bill introduces a new subchapter to the Business & Commerce Code, which defines key terms such as "account holder" and "child," and establishes that social media platforms must verify the age of users before allowing them to create accounts. It mandates that these platforms must use government-issued identification for age verification and prohibits the retention of personal information collected during this process. Violations of these provisions are classified as deceptive trade practices.

Additionally, the bill requires manufacturers of electronic devices to implement software that enables age markers and filters to prevent minors from accessing explicit content and sharing their location. Schools are also mandated to block access to social media and explicit materials on their networks and to prohibit the use of smart devices during school hours. The provisions of this act will take effect on September 1, 2025, with specific requirements for compliance by January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Commerce Code 120.002, Education Code 32.104 (Education Code 32, Commerce Code 120)
House Committee Report: Education Code 32.104 (Education Code 32, Commerce Code 120)