Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that parents should be provided clear, accurate, and useful information about the content of video programming so they can make informed decisions for their children.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1374
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-18: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-29T16:08:21Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H. Res. 1374
Purpose
This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that parents should receive clear, accurate, and useful information about video programming content to support informed decisions regarding their children. It focuses on updating the existing television ratings system for a modern media environment that includes streaming and on-demand services.
Key Provisions
- Calls on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to promote a modernized ratings framework applicable to broadcast, cable, streaming, and on-demand video programming.
- Urges the inclusion of neutral and objective content descriptions that are specific enough to help parents evaluate material based on family values.
- Encourages greater transparency and accountability in how ratings are assigned, reviewed, and challenged.
- Recommends that any oversight body for the ratings system include representation from parents, child advocacy organizations, and other public interest groups alongside industry participants.
- Supports increased public awareness of parental guidance tools, such as rating-based controls.
- Notes that Congress may consider legislative action if additional authority is needed to achieve these objectives.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This non-binding resolution does not amend or repeal any statutes. It builds on prior congressional recognition of parental information needs by advocating updates to the current ratings framework, which was originally designed for broadcast television, to address a fragmented marketplace. It highlights potential gaps in handling content descriptions for social themes, such as those related to gender identity.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Directs the FCC to take steps toward framework modernization, transparency improvements, and stakeholder inclusion, potentially requiring new administrative efforts.
- On citizens: Aims to enhance parents' ability to access consistent information across platforms, supporting household viewing choices without substituting for parental judgment.
- On international relations: No direct effects identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Parents and families seeking content guidance.
- The Federal Communications Commission as the primary agency addressed.
- Video programming providers, including broadcast networks, cable operators, and streaming services.
- Child advocacy organizations and public interest groups.
- Oversight bodies responsible for ratings administration.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The resolution emphasizes consumer information and parental empowerment rather than content regulation, aligning with existing FCC roles in media policy. It touches on free speech considerations by focusing on neutral descriptions instead of restrictions. Politically, it addresses concerns about specific programming themes in children's content, potentially influencing future FCC actions or legislation while remaining advisory in nature.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Hageman, Harriet M. [R-WY-At Large]
Cosponsors (6)
Rep. Biggs, Sheri [R-SC-3], Rep. Rose, John W. [R-TN-6], Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1], Rep. Ogles, Andrew [R-TN-5], Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10], Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-18: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-06-18: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that parents should be provided clear, accurate, and useful information about the content of video programming so they can make informed decisions for their children. — issued 2026-06-18 — PDF (4 pages)