SMART Kids Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8743
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-12: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-23T19:43:43Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation directs the Surgeon General of the Public Health Service to create evidence-informed recommendations on daily screen time limits for children, with the goal of supporting healthy development and well-being.
Key Provisions
- The Surgeon General must develop age-specific recommendations for the following groups: ages 0–2, 2–5, 5–8, 8–13, 13–16, and 16–18.
- Recommendations may also address qualitative factors, such as whether certain types of screen time are less harmful than others.
- The Surgeon General must partner with an independent entity that has no financial or other conflicts of interest.
- Within one year of enactment, the recommendations must be published on the Department of Health and Human Services website and submitted to Congress in a report.
- “Screen time limit” is defined as the maximum daily time spent using an electronic device with a display screen.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill introduces no direct changes to current statutes. It creates a new requirement for the Surgeon General to produce advisory recommendations rather than imposing mandatory limits or altering existing public health authorities.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: The Department of Health and Human Services would handle publication and reporting, with the Surgeon General leading development.
- Citizens: Parents and caregivers could use the recommendations as voluntary guidance for children’s device use.
- International relations: No direct effects are outlined.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Children and their families.
- The Surgeon General and the Department of Health and Human Services.
- Congress (as recipient of the required report).
- Independent research or advisory entities selected to assist.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The measure is advisory and does not create enforceable rules or penalties, limiting its legal reach. It operates within the Surgeon General’s existing public health advisory role and raises no apparent constitutional concerns.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17]
Cosponsors (7)
Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9], Rep. Haridopolos, Mike [R-FL-8], Rep. Auchincloss, Jake [D-MA-4], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Allen, Rick W. [R-GA-12]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-12: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-05-12: Introduced in House
- 2026-05-12: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Screen-time Management And Recommendations for Teens and Kids Act — issued 2026-05-12 — PDF (3 pages)