Technology (Social Media)

Maine bill HP 1001 directs the Legislative Executive Director to create recommendations for expanding public access to Senate and House proceedings and committee meetings. The plan must include developing apps for streaming on devices like Roku and Amazon, live broadcasting on social media platforms (including Facebook and X), and revisiting committee YouTube channels from the pandemic era, while ensuring broadcast security. The recommendations must also include cost estimates and implementation timelines. The office must submit these findings to the Legislative Council by December 15, 2025. This bill affects public access to legislative activities, not policy outcomes.

Maine's LD 844 requires social media companies to prohibit children under 14 from creating or maintaining accounts. For 14- and 15-year-olds, companies must verify parental consent using government-issued ID and documentation, retain records for two years, and provide an easy way for parents to revoke consent or terminate accounts. The bill directs Maine's Attorney General to enforce these rules, imposing civil penalties of up to $10,000 for first violations and $25,000 for repeat violations. It explicitly excludes educational platforms designed for minors from these requirements. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.