Overview

• The Texas House passed HB 186, which prohibits minors from creating or using social media accounts and mandates age verification for all users.
• HB 499, also passed, requires social media platforms to display warnings about the mental health risks of social media use for minors.
• If signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott, the restrictions would take effect on September 1, 2025, with enforcement beginning January 1, 2026.
• Lawmakers cited alarming increases in youth self-harm and suicide rates as justification for the legislation, linking these trends to social media use.
• Tech industry groups are expected to challenge the measures, arguing they violate First Amendment rights and raise privacy concerns over data collection.