Senate panel backs new safeguards for minors in monetized online content, sponsors set trust rules

The Senate committee on Tuesday moved legislation intended to modernize child-labor protections for minors whose images or likenesses generate meaningful online revenue.

Senator Wally, sponsor of SB14-69, told the panel the bill would apply when strict thresholds are met—when a minor appears in at least 30% of compensated content, that content generates meaningful revenue and the creator earns at least $15,000 annually. "Casual family posts are not affected," Wally said, adding that safeguards include trust accounts and removal rights for minors.

Committee members pressed the sponsor on administrative details. "Who would manage that trust?" a member asked. Wally replied the trusts will meet the Tennessee Uniform Transfers to Minors Act requirements and be held by a state or national bank, savings-and-loan association or trust company and managed by a custodian until the child turns 21.

Opponents and some younger members raised equity questions. One senator noted that establishing a trust can carry upfront costs, including legal fees, that could disadvantage lower-income creators and prevent some minors from accessing earnings. The sponsor said the bill aims to prevent exploitation and that children aged 14–17 would be entitled to keep 100% of earnings under carve-outs; for under‑14s, trusts would shelter proceeds.

After discussion and a brief technical amendment, the committee voted to move SB14-69 to the calendar (vote recorded in the transcript). Supporters said the bill balances child-safety and creative opportunity; critics urged careful attention to administrative costs and exemptions before broader enactment.