Mikey Hothi
Director, California Kids & Tech Policy, Common Sense
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From keeping kids safe online to supporting digital equity, Common Sense is ensuring healthier and safer digital futures for kids in California.
Five Major Legislative Wins for Kids in California
From keeping kids safe online to supporting digital equity, Common Sense is ensuring healthier and safer digital futures for kids in California.
The 2023 California legislative session has come to a close, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing 890 bills into law and vetoing 156. California has been leading the way in passing legislation that prioritizes kids' digital safety and well-being, and this year was no exception. Here are some major legislative victories for kids and families across the state, all driven by Common Sense Media. In total, our legislative priorities were strongly aligned with Governor Newsom's decisions, reflecting a shared commitment to improving the lives of all kids and families.
Protecting Kids and Teens Online
We made significant strides in advocating for better connectivity, stronger privacy protections, and a healthier online environment for kids and families:
- AB 1394 – Social Media Platform Liability, a bill by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-14): We sponsored this groundbreaking legislation, which holds social media platforms accountable for online sexual exploitation and trafficking of children. Governor Newsom signed this bill into law, and it will take effect in January 2025.
Ensuring Digital Equity for Children and Families
Closing the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to technology for all families has remained one of our top priorities, and we championed a range of bills this year to move digital equity closer to a reality:
- AB 286 – Internet Service & Pricing Mapping Data, authored by Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-2) and now signed into law, makes data on internet costs and service speeds more accessible for statewide mapping efforts, a vital step toward digital equity.
- AB 787– Digital Citizenship Instruction, authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-46), and also signed into law, establishes an advisory committee to develop best practices for digital citizenship, internet safety, and media literacy instruction.
- AB 873 – Media Literacy Curriculum, authored by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-23), signed into law, intends to prepare all California K–12 students with the media literacy skills necessary to safely, responsibly, and critically consume and use digital media.
But we also worked to prevent some bills from passing, because they simply did not go far enough to make an impact:
- AB 41 – Digital Equity in Video Franchising Act, authored by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-41), would not adequately address equity barriers to universal internet access. We opposed this bill and, fortunately, Governor Newsom agreed with us and vetoed it.
Looking Ahead
As we approach the next legislative session in January, we remain committed to our mission of advocating for a safer and more equitable digital landscape for children and families. Please help us by sharing your top policy concerns, especially those related to AI and its impact on your children. Send a note to us at [email protected]. Together, let's work toward a brighter and safer digital future for our kids.
The 2023 California legislative session has come to a close, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing 890 bills into law and vetoing 156. California has been leading the way in passing legislation that prioritizes kids' digital safety and well-being, and this year was no exception. Here are some major legislative victories for kids and families across the state, all driven by Common Sense Media. In total, our legislative priorities were strongly aligned with Governor Newsom's decisions, reflecting a shared commitment to improving the lives of all kids and families.
Protecting Kids and Teens Online
We made significant strides in advocating for better connectivity, stronger privacy protections, and a healthier online environment for kids and families:
- AB 1394 – Social Media Platform Liability, a bill by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-14): We sponsored this groundbreaking legislation, which holds social media platforms accountable for online sexual exploitation and trafficking of children. Governor Newsom signed this bill into law, and it will take effect in January 2025.
Ensuring Digital Equity for Children and Families
Closing the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to technology for all families has remained one of our top priorities, and we championed a range of bills this year to move digital equity closer to a reality:
- AB 286 – Internet Service & Pricing Mapping Data, authored by Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-2) and now signed into law, makes data on internet costs and service speeds more accessible for statewide mapping efforts, a vital step toward digital equity.
- AB 787– Digital Citizenship Instruction, authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-46), and also signed into law, establishes an advisory committee to develop best practices for digital citizenship, internet safety, and media literacy instruction.
- AB 873 – Media Literacy Curriculum, authored by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-23), signed into law, intends to prepare all California K–12 students with the media literacy skills necessary to safely, responsibly, and critically consume and use digital media.
But we also worked to prevent some bills from passing, because they simply did not go far enough to make an impact:
- AB 41 – Digital Equity in Video Franchising Act, authored by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-41), would not adequately address equity barriers to universal internet access. We opposed this bill and, fortunately, Governor Newsom agreed with us and vetoed it.
Looking Ahead
As we approach the next legislative session in January, we remain committed to our mission of advocating for a safer and more equitable digital landscape for children and families. Please help us by sharing your top policy concerns, especially those related to AI and its impact on your children. Send a note to us at [email protected]. Together, let's work toward a brighter and safer digital future for our kids.
