Watson- sponsored legislation to protect children from explicit content, help streamline hospital visits

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 2, 2025

(NASHVILLE) As 2025 begins, there are new Tennessee laws that will go into effect. January 1, 2025 will be the first date that certain laws passed by the General Assembly in the last legislative session will go into effect. Senator Bo Watson (R-Hixson) fought to protect children and help streamline doctors visits last legislative session.

“In the age of the smartphone and digital technology, it only makes sense for people to have this option”, said Watson. “We use digital technology for banking, shopping and all kinds of other services. Why not healthcare? It’s much more efficient and convenient for patients.”

On January 1, the new laws sponsored and co-sponsored by Watson include:

• Protect Tennessee Minors Act requires online media companies and operators will be required to verify users’ ages in order to access sites with explicit adult content. Additionally, this act requires companies to match a photograph of an active user to a photograph on a valid form of ID.

• Accepting electronic insurance cards allows for more efficient doctor and hospital visits. The law requires hospitals and physicians to accept electronic insurance cards as valid proof of insurance.

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