HB 1517

Bill Subjects

Budgets And Appropriations Public Officers And Employees State Agencies Taxes Generally Telecommunications, Telephone, Television, Radio, And Internet

Abstract

Requires the office of technology to restrict access to TikTok or WeChat applications or any other applications developed by ByteDance Limited or Tencent Holdings Limited, and prohibits persons from accessing those applications or visiting those websites on a state owned, operated, or maintained device. Imposes a surcharge tax on social media providers. Defines "social media provider" as a social media company that: (1) maintains a public social media platform; (2) has more than 1,000,000 active Indiana account holders; (3) has annual gross revenue derived from social media advertising services in Indiana of at least $1,000,000; and (4) derives economic benefit from the data individuals in Indiana share with the company. Provides that the surcharge tax is equal to: (1) the annual gross revenue derived from social media advertising services in Indiana in a calendar year multiplied by 7%; plus (2) the total number of the social media provider's active Indiana account holders in a calendar year multiplied by $1. Establishes the online bullying, social isolation, and suicide prevention fund (fund) for the purposes of providing: (1) online bullying prevention; or (2) social isolation and suicide prevention; training and research for counselors and educational institutions. Provides that the division of mental health and addiction shall administer the fund. Transfers the revenue from the surcharge tax to the fund. Makes an appropriation.