House passes bills on kids' social media use, medical confidentiality; Jesse's Law advances

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The North Carolina House of Representatives voted on a variety of bills Tuesday, including legislation on social media protections for minors, children's medical records, and school calendar flexibility.

Two of the proposed pieces of legislation stand out for their effects on families and children.

House Bill 301

This legislation would impose social media restrictions for children younger than 16.

The bill mandates that social media platforms delete accounts operated by users younger than 14 years old. It permits 14- and 15-year-old users to join networks only with expressed parental consent. Websites and phone apps would also be required to implement age verification.

The measure passed 106-6 and now heads to the Senate.

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House Bill 519

Known as the 'Parents' Medical Bill of Rights', this bill would revise current laws regarding when minors can give consent to medical treatment on and when parents are allowed to access their child's medical records.

Providers can still consult with children, but parents must consent to treatment unless it is an emergency.

The bill passed 68-41.

HB 519 would alter when minors can give consent to treatment, limiting it solely to cases of pregnancy. It would also allow parents access to their medical records.

There are exceptions in the event of emergencies, abuse, or neglect, allowing physicians to take action in certain circumstances.

Supporters said the bill is aimed at restoring parental authority. Opponents highlighted privacy considerations, arguing it would have a negative effect on young people accessing certain services.

"Kids need other adults that they can talk to and that they can trust. Doctors are those trusted adults that I would want my own kids to talk to. Because if they won't talk to me, I want them to be able to talk to a trusted adult, not get advice from social media, not get advice from their friends or the internet - (rather, I want it to be) a physician," said Rep. Julie von Haefen, a Democrat who represents Wake County. "This bill takes away that ability to consent for sensitive subjects like contraception, substance disorders, and mental health. This bill puts a chilling effect on minors seeking out treatment."

Supporters said it's simply about common sense.

"If a child breaks a bone and needs surgery, we expect the parents to be involved and get their permission. If a child skips school, the school calls the parent. If the child needs ear piercing, we have to have a parent's consent. But somehow when it comes to emotional health, STDs, and drug or alcohol abuse, we still have parents have no role. That doesn't make any sense," said Rep. Jennifer Balkcom, a Republican who represents Henderson.

The bill now goes to the Senate.

House Bill 896

Also known as Jesse's Law, HB 896 was taken up in committee on Tuesday. It takes a closer look at the training needs for court professionals involved in child custody cases dealing with abuse.

The bill is named after Jesse Ray Adams, who was killed by his father after his mother filed for divorce.

Since then, his mother, Christy, has worked to advocate for a change in law.

This bill would mandate initiatives such as family court judges' training in domestic violence and child abuse.

It would also extend to other court officers and personnel, including mediators and parent coordinators.

The initial training session would be at least 20 hours, with an additional 15 hours of ongoing training every five years.

"It's important to emphasize this is not a mandate today. It creates a space for collaboration that brings representatives from the courts, Legal Aid, child advocacy, academia, behavioral health, all to provide a blueprint on what that training should look like," said Rep. Maria Cervania, a Democrat who represents Wake County.

The bill received a favorable report and moved to the Committee on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House.

"It can definitely make a positive impact because you're trained in recognizing signs of potential abuse, and that takes someone who knows what to look for," said Rep. Julia Greenfield, a Democrat who represents Mecklenburg County. "And this training will help those who are going to be working in the court system. The judges, and the coordinators, and the therapists to go out and meet with the families and the children. It will give them that extra edge that they need to pick up on signs and symptoms of abuse."

The measure is effective once it becomes law