Governor Jim Pillen, along with Attorney General Mike Hilgers and state senators, introduced several bills aimed at enhancing online protections for children in Nebraska. The proposals focus on addressing the risks children face in the digital space, particularly in relation to artificial intelligence, social media, and cell phone use in schools.
- Artificial Intelligence and Child Exploitation: Senator Brian Hardin proposed a bill to help law enforcement combat child sexual abuse material. The bill aims to keep pace with evolving technology and provide law enforcement with additional tools to tackle exploitation.
- Cell Phone Use in Schools: Senator Rita Sanders introduced a bill directing the Nebraska Department of Education to develop policies regarding cell phone use in schools. The policy would allow local school boards to customize rules, aiming to reduce distractions and improve the learning environment.
- Social Media and Age Appropriateness: Senator Carolyn Bosn’s bill addresses age-appropriate social media use, while Senator Tanya Storer proposed requiring age verification or parental consent for children creating accounts. A civil penalty of $2,500 would be imposed on social media companies that fail to comply.
During the press conference, Governor Pillen expressed regret for not advocating for such legislation earlier in his term, underscoring the importance of these bills for protecting Nebraska’s children in the digital age.