Utah lawmakers propose protections for child actors and influencers from parental mismanagement

A proposed bill aimed at protecting child performers and influencers in Utah is gaining traction following a recent meeting of the House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee. The legislation, inspired by the experiences of child actors and influencers, seeks to establish financial safeguards and rights for minors engaged in entertainment.

The bill, often referred to as a "Coogan law," is named after Jackie Coogan, a child star from the early 20th century who lost his earnings due to parental mismanagement. Similar laws have been enacted in ten other states, requiring that 15% of a child’s earnings from acting or social media content be placed into a trust until they reach adulthood. This measure aims to ensure that young performers are compensated fairly and have access to their earnings when they are older.

In addition to financial protections, the bill addresses the emerging landscape of child influencers on social media platforms. It proposes that children have the right to remove their content from the internet once they turn 18, a provision that aims to give young individuals control over their digital footprint. The legislation also outlines compensation structures for child influencers, ensuring that they receive a fair share of earnings generated from their work.

During the meeting, Kevin Franke, a former family vlogger, shared poignant testimonies from his children, emphasizing the emotional toll of being a child performer. His daughter, Julie, expressed that the bill would prevent other children from experiencing the pain of losing their hard-earned money due to parental actions. Eve, another of Franke's children, highlighted the importance of protecting children from exploitation in the digital age, stating that many young influencers do not realize the long-term implications of their online presence.

Committee members engaged in discussions about the bill's provisions, including the rationale behind the 15% trust fund requirement and the mechanisms for compensation. The bill is designed to support families while also protecting the rights of child performers, ensuring that they are not exploited for financial gain.

As Utah continues to be a hub for family-oriented content creation, the proposed legislation represents a significant step toward safeguarding the interests of child performers and influencers. The committee's discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for legal protections in an evolving entertainment landscape, with the potential to set a precedent for other states to follow. The next steps will involve further deliberations and potential amendments before the bill is brought to a vote.