SB 503 establishes the Minor Exploitation Prevention Act to regulate how mobile applications are distributed and used by minors in Louisiana. The law requires app stores to verify user ages and allows developers of apps intended for adults to request age signals from these platforms to restrict access to younger users. App developers must also avoid showing personalized ads to minors and provide tools for parents to supervise their children's usage. While the bill places liability on developers for correctly identifying their apps as adult-only, it protects app stores from legal responsibility if they act in good faith regarding age verification.
This bill, known as the Madison Brooks Law, mandates that establishments serving alcohol in Louisiana must verify a customer's age using a specific digital credential system. It requires venues to accept a biometrically-bound QR code that confirms a person is over twenty-one by matching their live face to a one-way facial template, preventing the transfer or forgery of IDs. The law also stipulates that businesses must provide the necessary scanning equipment and that no raw biometric images or full identity data are stored after verification. Additionally, it establishes legal penalties for permit holders who fail to enforce these age verification procedures on their premises.
This Louisiana bill establishes new rules requiring companies that offer artificial intelligence chatbots to verify user ages and restrict access for minors. It prohibits developers from creating AI systems that can interact with children in ways that encourage sexual behavior, self-harm, or violence. Covered entities must implement age verification processes, prevent minors from using AI companions, and clearly disclose that the chatbot is not a human or licensed professional. Violations can result in criminal charges, civil fines, and legal action by the state attorney general.
This bill legalizes the use of lottery courier services in Louisiana, allowing customers to order lottery tickets online through authorized third-party services that deliver the tickets or prizes to them within the state. It establishes clear rules for these services, including requirements for age verification, secure ticket storage, responsible gaming limits, and the use of designated terminals at licensed retail locations. The legislation also creates a financial mechanism where retailers participating in courier sales receive a lower commission, with the difference distributed to retailers who do not engage in courier sales. Additionally, the bill clarifies that using these services does not constitute illegal gambling or gambling by computer under state law.
HB 220 requires "covered platforms" (like social media, video games, and messaging apps that host user-generated content) to implement a clear, easy-to-use reporting mechanism for suspected child exploitation content. Platforms must provide plain-language labels like "Report Child Sexual Exploitation," allow anonymous reporting without account registration, and confirm receipt of reports. Non-compliant platforms face civil penalties of up to $5,000 per day, with funds directed to child cybercrime investigations. The law excludes email services, government sites, educational tools, and non-user-generated content platforms from its requirements.
HB 427, the "Kids Online Protection and Anti-Grooming Act," requires online platforms (like social media and video games) that contract with minors under 16 in Louisiana to prioritize minors' privacy. It mandates two key changes: setting minor accounts to private by default (visible only to connected users) and alerting legal guardians if minors encounter sexually explicit material. The bill directly affects platforms operating in Louisiana with minor users, defining "minor" as anyone under 16 not emancipated or married. These provisions aim to reduce exposure to harmful content and strengthen parental oversight through default settings and notification systems.
