The proposed “youth online safety” (SB 5708 and HB 1834) speeding through our legislature represent a well-intentioned but fundamentally flawed approach that will cost Washington taxpayers millions we simply don’t have.

These bills purport to protect children online, but they overlook the robust parental control tools already available. Today’s parents can already set time limits, monitor their child’s online activities, and restrict access to specific platforms. Major tech companies including Apple, Google, and Meta have invested heavily in developing these tools specifically to help parents manage their children’s online experiences.

What families need isn’t more government regulation but rather awareness and education about using these existing tools effectively. The proposed legislation undermines parental authority by inserting government between parents and their children’s online activities.

Even more, similar legislation in other states has immediately faced serious legal challenges on First Amendment grounds. These bills would restrict content based on how it’s delivered rather than what it contains – a distinction courts have consistently viewed skeptically. Industry groups and civil liberties organizations have already signaled their intent to challenge these bills if passed.

Defending these inevitably challenged laws will conservatively cost Washington taxpayers at least $4 million in legal fees. This estimate comes from observing similar litigation in other states where tech regulation has faced constitutional challenges. These legal battles are not quick affairs – they typically stretch for years through appeals, with costs mounting at every stage.

This proposed expense comes at a time when Washington faces a significant budget deficit. Our state is already making difficult choices about essential services, education funding, and infrastructure needs. We cannot responsibly commit millions to defending legislation that experts widely predict will be struck down.

What’s particularly concerning is how these bills are being rushed through the legislative process without adequate consideration of their implications. Complex technology policy requires thoughtful deliberation, expert testimony, and careful drafting. Instead, we’re seeing hasty movement on bills that haven’t been properly vetted for their technical feasibility, constitutional viability, or economic impact. Good legislation takes time – especially when it concerns rapidly evolving technology.

Rather than pushing constitutionally dubious legislation that will drain our state treasury, we should expand education about existing parental controls, partner with tech companies to improve these tools, invest in digital literacy and mental health resources in schools, and support parents with practical resources to guide their children’s technology use.

As parents, educators, and concerned citizens, we all want to protect our children online. But spending millions on legislation that will likely be overturned while ignoring proven solutions already at our fingertips is not the answer. Washington deserves thoughtful tech policy that respects parental authority, constitutional boundaries, and fiscal responsibility. These bills, unfortunately, fail on all three counts.