Under the bill, major social media companies would have to estimate the age range of users, bar users under 16 without consent from a parent, eliminate ads targeting minors, and restrict addictive features such as push notifications for those users.
It's a tall order for powerful platforms, but the proposal gained unanimous approval from the Kentucky House this week.
Rep. Matt Lehman, a Newport Democrat, drew a direct comparison between the design of social media apps and a familiar form of gambling.
"The social media platforms are like slot machines. They're meant to keep our kids scrolling and returning. We regulate slot machines," Lehman said.
Other states are trying out a variety of approaches to restricting social media. Florida passed a ban for minors under 14 while Utah, Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana have made attempts to require parental consent — but all have faced legal challenges, according to the Brookings Institute.
Tech companies argue that outright bans are challenging to enforce, and children often find ways around the restrictions.
If the proposal passes in its current form, Kentuckians would be able to file complaints with the Attorney General's Office, which would be responsible for enforcing the legislation in court.