Bill > SB2061

This bill establishes a new "children's digital protection fund" within the state treasury, which will receive money from legal settlements or claims related to the negative impacts of social media platforms, online gaming platforms, or other digital technologies on minors' mental health and well-being, as determined by the Attorney General. This fund, after deducting investigation costs, attorney fees, and restitution amounts (referred to as "net recovery"), can be used, with legislative approval, for various purposes including mental health support and treatment for minors, research on technology's impact on youth mental health, law enforcement resources to combat exploitation and address these issues, education on the topic, contributions to the K-12 mental health endowment fund, and suicide prevention for minors. The bill defines "minor" as a resident under 18, and clarifies terms like "online gaming platform" and "social media platform." Any interest earned on the fund's investments will remain in the fund, and unspent money will carry over to the next fiscal year rather than reverting to the general fund.