A new child protection bill, Senate Bill 998, has emerged as a significant topic of discussion in Virginia's government meeting on January 20, 2025. This legislation aims to safeguard minors engaged in content creation, specifically targeting children under the age of 16 who meet certain criteria.

The bill mandates that content creators must compensate children whose likeness, name, or photograph is featured in their video content. To ensure the financial security of these young creators, the bill requires that a portion of the gross earnings from such content be set aside in a trust account. This fund will be preserved for the child until they reach the age of 18 or are declared emancipated.

Additionally, Senate Bill 998 imposes record-keeping responsibilities on content creators, ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of these funds. This legislation represents a proactive step towards protecting the rights and financial interests of young individuals in the digital content landscape.

As discussions continue, the implications of this bill could reshape how content creation involving minors is approached, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding their contributions and ensuring they benefit from their work in the long run.