Senate advances device-filtering bill to automatically block explicit content on phones activated for children

Senators read and advanced second substitute Senate Bill 104, which would require smartphones and similar devices to enable content filters automatically when the device is activated for a child. Senator Wyler, the bill’s sponsor, told colleagues that manufacturers often ship devices with filtering options but those settings are not automatically enabled and can take many steps to activate.

"When the phone is activated, based on the information that it's for a child, we would require that filter to automatically be activated for the child," Wyler said, describing the proposal as a way to shield young eyes from obscene material and reduce the technical burden on parents.

Wyler cited prior related efforts and stakeholder engagement: a similar bill was discussed about three years ago and the current second substitute incorporates technical changes requested by stakeholders. He said the bill does not make ‘‘sweeping substantial changes’’ from the prior approach but updates implementation details.

Senators did not raise further questions during floor discussion. The Senate approved a motion to replace the first substitute with the second substitute and to read the second substitute for a third time. A later roll call recorded the substitute version receiving 22 aye votes, one nay and six absent, and the bill was prepared to be read for third reading.

The measure affects device manufacturers and consumers by shifting activation defaults; supporters described it as a narrow, implementation-focused step to increase protections for minors. The bill’s text, stakeholder amendments and any implementation guidance from manufacturers would determine how the requirement operates in practice.

The Senate recessed for lunch and planned to take up third reading following procedural scheduling. The bill will proceed through the typical passage steps if the third reading and any subsequent votes succeed.