Bill > HB2270

This bill establishes a dedicated "children's digital protection fund" within the state treasury, which will receive money recovered by the state from legal settlements or judgments related to the negative impacts of social media platforms, online gaming platforms, or other digital technologies on minors' mental health and well-being. The Attorney General and Reporter will determine the amount of "net recovery," which is the total recovered money after deducting investigation costs, litigation expenses, attorney fees, and any amounts set aside for restitution. Funds from this account can then be used, with legislative approval, for various purposes aimed at protecting children, including mental health support and treatment, research on technology's impact, law enforcement resources to combat exploitation and address negative effects, education initiatives, contributions to the K-12 mental health endowment fund, and suicide prevention for minors. The bill defines "minor" as a resident of Tennessee under 18 years old, and clarifies what constitutes an "online gaming platform" and a "social media platform." Any interest earned on the fund's investments will remain part of the fund, and any unspent money will carry over to the next fiscal year instead of reverting to the general fund.