Smyrna, TN - In the wake of a pivotal U.S. Supreme Court ruling, State Representative Mike Sparks (R-Smyrna) is voicing strong support for new legislation aimed at protecting Tennessee children from harmful content online. Sparks commended fellow Republican State Representative Jody Barrett (R-Dickson) for introducing two bills—HB 221 and HB 222—designed to hold online platforms accountable for allowing minors access to obscene material. The Supreme Court recently upheld Texas’ age-verification law for pornographic websites, a decision Sparks believes paves the way for Tennessee to act decisively.
State Rep. Sparks Supports
Rep. Sparks said, “I fully support Representative Barrett’s legislation protecting Tennessee children from online pornography. The Supreme Court’s ruling gives us the constitutional authority to act. Rutherford County families deserve protection from companies profiting off children’s exposure to harmful content.”
House Bill 221 would give victims the ability to pursue legal action against websites that cause harm by distributing obscene content. HB 222 would empower the state’s Attorney General to issue injunctions and levy civil penalties against companies that expose children to such material.
“Protecting our children isn’t partisan—it’s our fundamental responsibility,” Sparks added. “Tennessee will lead on this critical issue.”
Rep. Barrett emphasized that the time for delay is over, calling his legislation a "line in the sand" against what he describes as the moral decay spurred by unregulated online access.
Local families and community leaders in Rutherford County have echoed the urgency of this issue, calling for swift action to ensure minors are not subjected to explicit content that can have lifelong effects.
As the legislative session progresses, many are watching closely to see whether Tennessee will follow the Supreme Court’s lead and pass laws strengthening digital safeguards for children.
As this issue is studied by Tennssee law makers, News Radio WGNS will keep you informed about the acceptance of the proposed legislation.
