Provides relative to reporting child exploitation on covered platforms

HB 220 Original 2026 Regular Session Schlegel

Abstract: Provides relative to reporting child exploitation on covered platforms.

Proposed law requires covered platforms to provide reporting mechanisms for child exploitation.

Proposed law defines "clear and conspicuous", "covered platform", "online platform", "online video game", and "report mechanism".

Proposed law requires that a covered platform that allows users to create, share, or view user-generated content provide clear and conspicuous instructions and a clear and conspicuous method for users to report suspected child sexual abuse material, or other instances of child sexual exploitation listed in present law, appearing on or transmitted through the platform.

Proposed law provides for the requirements of the reporting mechanism.

Proposed law provides that any covered platform that does not provide a reporting mechanism as required by proposed law shall be subject to civil penalties.

Proposed law provides that the attorney general may conduct an investigation of the alleged violation and initiate a civil action in the 19th Judicial District Court on behalf of the state to assess civil penalties. Prior to asserting a cause of action, the attorney general shall provide the commercial entity with a period of time of not less than 30 days to comply with proposed law.

Proposed law provides that the covered platforms may be liable for certain civil penalties for violations of proposed law, to be assessed by the court, to be paid to the Dept. of Justice, in order to fund the investigation of cyber crimes involving the exploitation of children.

Proposed law states that each violation may be treated as a separate violation or may be combined into one violation at the option of the attorney general.

Proposed law provides that any covered platform that violates proposed law may be liable to the attorney general for all costs, expenses, and fees related to investigations and proceedings associated with the violation, including attorney fees.

(Adds R.S. 51:1780.1-1780.3)