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TX HB18: Relating to the protection of minors from harmful, deceptive, or unfair trade practices in connection with the use of certain digital services and el…

Effective Sep 1, 2024 Texas · 2023 session

Last verified Oct 12, 2026 · official bill text

HB18 · where it stands

All steps complete
  1. Introduced Complete
  2. Passed first chamber Complete
  3. Passed both chambers Complete
  4. Enacted Complete
  5. Effective Since Sep 1, 2024
What do these statuses mean?
Introduced
Filed in the legislature; may be waiting for a committee hearing.
Passed a chamber
Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action.
Enacted
Signed into law, or became law without a signature or over a veto.
Effective date
The date the law says it takes effect. Once it has passed, the page shows "Effective" and the date. A court order can still block a law; if we know of one, the summary says so.
Dead / vetoed
Vetoed, failed, or the session ended without action.
View full title

Relating to the protection of minors from harmful, deceptive, or unfair trade practices in connection with the use of certain digital services and electronic devices, including the use and transfer of electronic devices to students by a public school.

In one paragraph

Texas HB 18, the SCOPE Act (2023), sets duties for digital service providers toward known minors. Its AI-relevant part is Business & Commerce Code 509.056, 'Use of algorithms': a provider that uses algorithms to automate the suggestion, promotion or ranking of information to known minors must make commercially reasonable efforts to ensure the algorithm does not interfere with its duty to prevent harm to minors, and must disclose in its terms or privacy policy how it uses algorithms and what personal data they use. Most of the act takes effect September 1, 2024.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

Social media and other digital services used by Texas minors must review and disclose their recommendation algorithms.

Key provisions

  1. Business & Commerce Code 509.056: providers using algorithms to suggest, promote or rank content for known minors must ensure the algorithm does not undermine harm-prevention duties
  2. Must disclose how algorithms promote, rank or filter content and which personal identifying information is used as inputs
  3. 509.053 harm-prevention strategy may include making algorithm code available to independent security researchers
  4. Enforced under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act and by the attorney general
  5. Main provisions effective September 1, 2024

Latest legislative action

Jun 13, 2023. Signed by the Governor; Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., ch. 795

Topics and industries

Related topics

AI in Social Media & Online PlatformsAI Transparency

Affected industries

TechnologyMediaConsumer Protection

This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error

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Same topic in other states

Vermont S0069 An act relating to an age-appropriate design code Minnesota SF4097 Prohibiting Social Media Manipulation Act (commerce omnibus, Laws 2024, chapter Utah HB276 Artificial Intelligence Modifications California AB2713 California AI Transparency Act: system provenance data. New Jersey A4768 "Social Media Fairness and Transparency Act"; establishes requirements for socia Rhode Island H7954 Regulates how certain large social media platforms utilize algorithms.