A Texas bill that would penalize social media companies for allowing children to use their platforms is gaining momentum in the Legislature.

The House voted 125-20 Tuesday to advance legislation that would require tech companies to verify a user’s age when they are creating their social media accounts. House Bill 186, introduced by Rep. Jared Patterson, R-Frisco, will now move to engrossment, meaning the bill will be prepared for movement to the Senate for consideration. A similar bill in 2023 failed to pass.

Patterson called HB186 one of the most important pieces of legislation he’s introduced. He said social media has exposed children to violent and explicit content that has often contributed to bullying and depression, among other harmful effects.

“Social media companies don’t care about what content they’re feeding you and your children,” Patterson said. “Rather, they want you hooked on their content.”

Tech companies such as Snap, X and Meta all have age requirements, but those safeguards are inadequate, Patterson said. He wants social media to be regulated in the same way as other adult-oriented products such as cigarettes, alcohol and tanning beds.

Rep. Mitch Little, R-Lewisville, questioned the bill’s impact on young entrepreneurs and athletes who use social media for business purposes. Patterson said the child’s parents can manage those accounts for their children.

But HB186’s possible passage also matters for businesses, because evolving regulations around minors’ digital access in Texas may prompt tech companies to reassess platform policies and compliance expectations, according to the Dallas Regional Chamber.

If HB186 becomes law, social media companies must delete a child’s account upon a parent’s or guardian’s request. The companies could also face penalties from the Texas attorney general’s Consumer Protection Division for failing to verify age, allowing the use of its platform by underage children, misusing personal data or not removing accounts.

While the bill classifies violations as deceptive trade practices under Texas law, it does not specify penalties, instead referring to existing statutes that outline potential remedies and consequences. These existing laws allow the attorney general to take action, which may include financial penalties.

Meta, X, TikTok and Snap declined invitations to testify before the Texas Joint Committee to Study the Effects of Media on Minors at the state Capitol in January.

“We’ve allowed social media companies unfiltered access to our children without these companies ever showing up to the table to testify on any legislation this body has attempted to pass,” Patterson said.

Ayaan Moledina, a high school student in Austin and federal policy director for Students Engaged in Advancing Texas, said he opposes HB186 because it threatens free speech rights upheld by court rulings.

Instead of restricting access, Moledina said, Texas should require mental health warning labels on social platforms and the implementation of digital literacy education to help young people navigate social media safely while preserving their agency and rights.

“We need to be pushing for more mental health solutions that educate rather than restrict,” Moledina said. “Because if we just lock it up and act like it doesn’t exist, that doesn’t solve the problem.”