February 10th, 2024 by WCBC Radio
Maryland Kids Code (HB 603/SB 571) will receive consideration next Tuesday, Feb. 13 in the House Economic Matters Committee and Wednesday, Feb. 14 in the Senate Finance Committee. The youth online safety and privacy bill was reintroduced last month by Senators Benjamin Kramer and Chris West and Delegates Jared Solomon and C.T. Wilson.
Broad support for the Maryland Kids Code’s design-first approach to tackling harms associated with digital media will be reflected in testimony from community members including parents, young people, educators and medical professionals offering diverse perspectives on the need to protect children and teens online.
Last month, Senate and House leadership endorsed the Kids Code as a consumer protection priority; earlier this week, the Baltimore Sun editorial board endorsed the legislation and called on state lawmakers to act.
House Economic Matters Committee Kids Code Bill Hearing
Date: Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM ET
Place: House Office Building, Room 230, Annapolis, MD
Watch online: Link
Senate Finance Committee Kids Code Bill Hearing
Date: Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM ET
Place: East Miller Senate Building, Room 3, Annapolis, MD
Watch online: Link
Maryland Kids Code Coalition advocates who will be available for comment the days of the hearings will include:
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Todd Sr. and Mia Minor, parent advocates, founders of the Matthew E. Minor Awareness Foundation
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Elizabeth Elliott, president, Maryland Association of School Health Nurses
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Marisa Shea, legal expert, 5Rights U.S.