The North Carolina House moved forward Tuesday with several measures designed to protect children and bolster parental rights.
Social Media Restrictions: House Bill 301
House Bill 301 targets children’s use of social media. The bill would require platforms to delete accounts for users under 14 and mandate parental consent for users aged 14 and 15. Age verification would also become a requirement for websites and mobile apps.
The measure passed overwhelmingly, 106-6, and now heads to the Senate.
Medical Privacy and Parental Rights: House Bill 519
Titled the ‘Parents’ Medical Bill of Rights’, House Bill 519 changes current policies on when minors can consent to medical care and when parents can access their children’s medical records.
Under this proposal, minors would only be able to consent to treatment in pregnancy-related cases. In all other instances—unless it’s an emergency—parental consent would be required. Parents would also gain broader access to medical records, though exceptions are carved out for emergencies, abuse, or neglect.
Supporters say the bill reasserts parental authority. Opponents argue it threatens minors’ access to critical services.
“Kids need trusted adults like doctors to turn to,” said Rep. Julie von Haefen (D-Wake). “If they won’t talk to parents, I want them to talk to a physician—not the internet. This bill chills their willingness to seek care for issues like mental health or contraception.”
Supporters countered that it’s about common sense.
“If a child breaks a bone, we expect parental consent. If they skip school, parents get a call. But for emotional health or substance abuse, they’re left out? That’s not logical,” said Rep. Jennifer Balkcom (R-Henderson).
The bill passed 68-41 and now goes to the Senate.
Jesse’s Law: House Bill 896
House Bill 896—Jesse’s Law, —was named after Jesse Ray Adams, a child killed by his father following a divorce filing by his mother. It focuses on improving training for court officials in custody cases involving abuse.
The bill mandates a minimum of 20 hours of initial training for judges and court personnel, with 15 hours of follow-up training every five years. Those trained would include judges, mediators, and parent coordinators.
“This isn’t a mandate yet. It opens the door for collaboration between the courts, Legal Aid, child advocacy groups, behavioral health experts, and others,” said Rep. Maria Cervania (D-Wake).
Rep. Julia Greenfield (D-Mecklenburg) added, “This training helps court professionals recognize signs of abuse. It gives them the insight needed to protect families and children.”
The bill received a favorable report and now moves to the House Committee on Rules, Calendar, and Operations. It would take effect once signed into law.
