Minors

California Enacts Pioneering Social Media Law to Protect Minors, Restricting Addictive Features and Nighttime Access

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Sacramento, CA – California is taking significant strides to protect its youngest residents from the harmful effects of social media. Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed Senate Bill 976, a groundbreaking law designed to curb the potentially addictive and harmful digital behaviors encouraged by social media platforms, particularly among minors. Authored by State Senator Nancy Skinner, SB 976 introduces stringent requirements for digital platforms. It aims to prevent these platforms from fine-tuning their algorithms to addictively engage children without explicit parental consent. Additionally, the legislation restricts the ability of social media companies to send notifications to … Read more

New Federal-State Initiative Targets Child Labor Law Violations, Prioritizes Safety for Minors in Hazardous Jobs

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WASHINGTON — In an effort to address growing concerns over child labor violations, federal and state labor authorities announced a new “joint strategic enforcement initiative” on Tuesday. This move, spearheaded by the U.S. Wage and Hour Division along with various state Departments of Labor and Workforce Development, aims to clamp down on illegal employment practices, particularly those that involve minors engaging in dangerous work that violates federal and state laws. The focus on hazardous occupations stems from a noticeable spike in the employment of minors in roles that are deemed too perilous and are, therefore, … Read more

Federal Judge Halts Tennessee Law Against Assisting Minors in Abortion Without Parental Consent

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Nashville, Tenn. — A U.S. District Court Judge has temporarily suspended Tennessee’s statute that criminalizes assisting minors in obtaining an abortion without parental consent. Judge Aleta Trauger’s ruling on Friday serves as a significant pause to the state law as it works its way through legal proceedings. The contentious measure, pushed through by Tennessee’s Republican-majority Legislature and sanctioned by Governor Bill Lee, criminalizes any adult who “intentionally recruits, harbors, or transports” a minor within the state for the purpose of securing an abortion, without the requisite parental authorization. Violators face potential prosecution under a Class … Read more

Federal Judge Halts Tennessee Law Against Assisting Minors’ Abortions Without Parental Consent

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Nashville, Tennessee — A Tennessee regulation criminalizing adults who help minors obtain an abortion without parental consent was halted temporarily by a federal court ruling on Friday. The state’s law, which was put into effect on July 1, faced scrutiny for its stringent restrictions and potential violation of constitutional rights. U.S. District Judge Aleta Trauger presided over the decision, instituting a temporary block on the law while the legal proceedings continue. Judge Trauger’s 49-page ruling emphasized the problematic aspects of stifling communication about legal medical procedures and the broad implications for free speech rights. Earlier … Read more