Bill > HB293

This bill requires manufacturers of electronic devices like tablets and smartphones to install filters that prevent minors (individuals under 18 who are not emancipated, married, or in the military) from accessing obscene material, which is defined as content that appeals to prurient interest, depicts explicit sexual conduct, and lacks serious value. These filters must be automatically enabled for users identified as minors during device activation, and a password can be set to allow non-minor users to deactivate or reactivate the filter. Manufacturers face civil liability if they fail to install these filters, and both manufacturers and individuals can be held civilly and criminally liable, facing felony charges, if they intentionally disable a filter with the intent to allow a minor to access obscene material, and a minor subsequently does so. The bill also establishes a private right of action for parents or legal guardians to sue for damages, including actual, liquidated, attorney's fees, and punitive damages, but explicitly states no cause of action exists against retailers. The law takes effect on January 1, 2026.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=605&inflect=2