House Panel Advances Kids Online Safety Bills Along Party Lines

GOP-led package includes controversial changes to Kids Online Safety Act

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Republican-led package of kids' online safety bills, including the landmark Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), advanced out of a House committee on Thursday despite heavy pushback from Democrats and technology safety advocates. The changes to KOSA, which would narrow the list of covered harms and only require companies to establish 'reasonable policies' regarding minors, were criticized by Democrats who argued the bill no longer holds tech platforms legally accountable.

Why it matters

The advancement of this partisan package of kids online safety bills, especially the changes made to the high-profile KOSA, highlights the ongoing political battle over regulating Big Tech and protecting children online. The debate centers around how to balance online safety with privacy and free speech concerns, and whether federal legislation can effectively address these complex issues.

The details

In a lengthy markup session, House Energy and Commerce Chair Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) and Republicans faced repeated criticism from Democrats over the changes to KOSA. The bill was advanced out of committee in a 28-24 vote. Democrats argued the narrowed 'duty of care' provision and language preempting state laws would undermine the bill's effectiveness. Technology safety groups that previously supported KOSA have come out against the House version, stating it is 'not what KOSA was meant to be.'

  • The House committee markup took place on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
  • The Senate version of COPPA 2.0 passed by unanimous consent as the House markup was underway.

The players

Brett Guthrie

Republican Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, who led the markup of the kids online safety bills.

Frank Pallone

Democratic Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, who criticized the partisan nature of the bills.

Maurine Molak

Parent advocate who has visited Washington D.C. nearly 16 times to push for the passage of KOSA, after losing her son to suicide following cyberbullying.

John James

Republican Congressman from Michigan, who introduced the App Store Accountability Act that was also advanced by the committee.

Mike Lee

Republican Senator from Utah, who co-introduced the App Store Accountability Act with Rep. John James.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The House version of the Kids Online Safety Act will now move to the full House for consideration, where it is expected to face continued opposition from Democrats. The Senate version, which passed with broad bipartisan support in 2024, may provide a path forward if the House is unable to reach a compromise.

The takeaway

The partisan advancement of these kids online safety bills in the House highlights the deep political divides over how to effectively regulate Big Tech and protect children online. While there is widespread agreement on the need for action, the debate over the details and scope of legislation remains highly contentious, with concerns over privacy, free speech, and the appropriate role of government.