Bill > HB293

This bill requires manufacturers of tablets and smartphones to install content filters that prevent minors from accessing obscene material when these devices are activated in New Hampshire. Specifically, the bill mandates that electronic devices must: (1) contain a filter, (2) ask the user's age during activation, (3) automatically enable the filter for users identified as minors, (4) allow password-based filter management, (5) notify users when a website is blocked, and (6) provide options for non-minor users to deactivate and reactivate the filter. The bill defines obscene material using legal standards that consider the content's sexual nature, explicitness, and lack of serious artistic or educational value. Parents or legal guardians can bring civil actions against individuals who intentionally disable filters to allow minors to access obscene content, with potential damages ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 per violation. Additionally, the bill establishes criminal liability for intentionally disabling filters to enable minors' access to obscene material, classifying such actions as a class B felony. Manufacturers who fail to comply with the filter requirements may face legal action by the state's attorney general, though a reasonable good-faith effort to comply can serve as a defense. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and applies to tablets and smartphones manufactured on or after that date.

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https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0598&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB293