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      By: González of El Paso, Patterson, et al. H.B. No. 499       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to a warning label on certain social media platforms   concerning the association between a minor's social media usage and   significant mental health issues.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Chapter 161, Health and Safety Code, is amended   by adding Subchapter Z to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER Z. WARNING LABEL ON CERTAIN SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS   REGARDING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN MINORS             Sec.   161.801.     DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter, "social   media platform" and "user" have the meanings assigned by Section   120.001, Business & Commerce Code.           Sec.   161.8015.     APPLICABILITY. (a)   This subchapter applies   only to a social media platform described by Section 120.002(b),   Business & Commerce Code.           (b)     This subchapter does not apply to a website or   application used primarily for the purpose of interactive gaming.           Sec.   161.802.     REQUIRED WARNING LABEL REGARDING MENTAL   HEALTH ISSUES. (a) A social media platform operating in this state   shall display on the platform's landing page each time a user opens   the platform a warning label concerning the association between a   minor's social media usage and significant mental health issues.     The warning label must include:                 (1)     information on available resources for persons   experiencing significant mental health issues, including the phone   number or link to the website for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline;   and                   (2)     a statement concerning the use of an individual's   personal data by social media platforms and the addictive nature of   social media usage.           (b)     The social media platform shall ensure the user is   unable to operate the platform until the user verifies the user   understands the warning.           (c)     The executive commissioner shall adopt evidence-based   rules regarding the form and content of the warning label required   by Subsection (a).          SECTION 2.  (a) Not later than January 1, 2026, the executive   commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall   adopt the rules required by Section 161.802, Health and Safety   Code, as added by this Act.          (b)  A social media platform to which Subchapter Z, Chapter   161, Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act, applies is not   required to comply with Section 161.802, Health and Safety Code, as   added by this Act, before April 1, 2026.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.