(AUSTIN, TX) — Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has appointed Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) to a newly-formed Joint Committee to Study the Effects of Media on Minors, in accordance with House Bill 18 that passed during the 88th Legislature.

The new committee is tasked with examining the health and developmental effects of media on minors and the effects of exposure by a minor to various forms of media, including social media platforms, websites, artificial intelligence, websites, video games, and other media formats.

“I am deeply honored to be named to this joint committee, recognizing the critical importance of studying the effects of social media on minors, especially the harm that it is doing regarding child pornography, trafficking, grooming, and the long-term impacts to brain development,” stated Senator Kolkhorst.

“Many experts in medicine and education are sounding the alarm that our children's mental health, social skills, and ability to communicate on a personal level are at stake. With the introduction of artificial intelligence, even more concerns arise about capturing our children’s likenesses, which can be used in nefarious and harmful ways. I am committed to working diligently on this committee to address these issues.”

House Bill 18, known as the SCOPE ACT, gives parents more control over their children's content. Parental consent is required when children create new online accounts. The bill compels content providers to prevent children from being exposed to harmful content, such as content that promotes suicide, self-harm, substance abuse, grooming, trafficking, and sexual exploitation.

The committee will undertake a comprehensive study to understand the influence of media on minors and its potential effects on their well-being and development. Their findings and recommendations are expected to contribute to informed policy decisions aimed at safeguarding the welfare of minors in the digital age.

Joint Chairs will be Senator Bryan Hughes and Representative Jared Patterson. Additional members on the Committee include Senator Angela Paxton, Senator Tan Parker, and Senator Jose Menendez, with State Representative Lacey Hull, State Representative Ann Johnson, State Representative Eddie Morales, and State Representative Shelby Slawson.

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