Age-Appropriate Design Code Bill Passes First Committee
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee passed Representative Kristin Bahner’s (DFL—Maple Grove) revamped Age-Appropriate Design Code bill, also known as the Minnesota Kids Code bill (HF 2257). The bill is a nation-leading effort to protect children and their data online.
The bill directs companies to do a data privacy impact assessment through the lens of child safety. It also requires a mitigation plan to be put in place if a substantial risk of harm to children is found. Parents and organizations testified in support of the bill, including 5Rights, Holistic Ethics, Spark & Stitch, SAVE - Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, and more.
“At its core, this bill asks companies to design and build better, safer products before potential harm is done,” said Rep. Bahner. “From car seats to cribs, we have looked at child safety issues—but we’ve never applied that to online settings. Now is the time to take action to pass the nation-leading Age-Appropriate Design Code and protect children’s data, health, and safety.”
The bill was passed on a voice vote and referred to the House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee. A recording of the hearing can be found on the House Public Information YouTube page.
###