Meta agreed Wednesday to pay up to $18 billion and implement child-safety measures in a landmark settlement with Kentucky and 47 other states, prompting Rep. Matt Lockett of Nicholasville to praise the outcome as validation of his failed legislative efforts.

Lockett said in a statement that the settlement represents "a significant step towards protecting our children" and reflects the concerns he raised in House Bill 227, which passed the chamber with unanimous bipartisan support but stalled in the state Senate. The legislation targeted addictive features such as "doom scrolling" and autoplay, and sought stronger age verification and enhanced parental monitoring.

"The pending agreement requires Meta to take meaningful steps in many of those same areas, including stronger age assurance, limits on how long children can use its platforms, nighttime restrictions, and enhanced parental controls," Lockett said.

The settlement ends a trial that was expected to last six to eight weeks after Instagram head Adam Mosseri testified. Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, whom Lockett credited for "efforts on this issue," led the case alongside attorneys general from California, Colorado, and New Jersey.

Kentucky will receive $358 million under the settlement, which remains subject to court approval, plus an additional $7.5 million related to Meta's handling of Cambridge Analytica data.

Lockett said he plans to file an updated version of HB 227 for the 2027 legislative session and will work with Coleman and other stakeholders on deploying settlement funds for youth online safety initiatives. "The work is far from over," Lockett said.