Tennessee bill would ban children under 14 from appearing in paid online videos

JACKSON, Tenn. — A new state bill is one signature away from taking effect and would ban children under the age of 14 from being in online videos that make a profit.

Senate Bill 1469 would ban children under the age of 14 from being in online videos that obtain compensation however the only exception is if a child is a part of a family who is generating content.

“But they are not under the age of 14 supposed to be generating revenue off of content online,” said Senator Page Walley (R-26).

Walley is the sponsor for this bill and during the Senate Judiciary Committee last month he was questioned by State Senator London Lamar (D-33) of why this should not be allowed.

“May I ask why not,” said Lamar.

“Because they might be exploited without the family’s awareness or participation,” said Walley.

Lamar argues that this bill would do more harm as kids should be able to create and share content responsibly.

“These kids are rightfully getting million dollar contracts to play football or bounce a ball down the court and I think these kids that have a large following, who put the time and energy into making the content, should be able to get the money that they have earned,” said Lamar.

Walley says this would also require a trust account to be set up and the minor would be able to access this when they turn 18 years of age.

“A trust could be set up for those children that are under 14. Between 14 and 17 they are eligible to keep 100 % of the content they create, but they have to have a trust set up for them so we are not exploiting them,” said Walley.

Adults who feature children under 14 in revenue-generating videos and don’t follow the required trust-fund rules could face a $2,000 penalty.

The bill did pass on the Senate floor on March 19 of this year with a vote of 29 to 2.

The bill also passed on the House floor last week with 92 ayes and 1 present but not voting.

Since the bill passed, it now heads to Governor Bill Lee’s desk and if signed the bill will take effect in July of this year.

For more Tennessee news, click here.