The bill H.823 proposes the introduction of mandatory mental health warning labels on social media platforms to inform users about the potential negative impacts of social media usage. It establishes a new subchapter in Vermont law, specifically 9 V.S.A. chapter 63, subchapter 1F, which outlines the requirements for these warning labels. The labels must be easily readable, appear each time a user accesses the platform, and provide access to mental health resources, including the national suicide prevention hotline. Additionally, social media platforms are required to display a pop-up notification every 30 minutes to inform users of their active usage time, with the option for users to customize this notification period.

The bill also grants the Attorney General the authority to develop guidelines for the warning labels based on current evidence regarding mental health impacts and to enforce compliance with these regulations. Violations of the new requirements will be considered unfair and deceptive acts in commerce. The guidelines for the warning labels must be published by April 1, 2027, and the act is set to take effect on July 1, 2027, with the exception of the guidelines section, which will take effect a year earlier.