HB 161 Alabama House · 2026 Regular Session

Consumer protection, app store providers and developers required to take certain actions related to age verification and parental consent, Attorney General authorized to bring action for violations as deceptive trade practice, parents authorized to bring civil action

HB 161 requires app stores and developers to implement age verification and obtain parental consent for certain apps targeting minors. It directly affects app providers, developers, and parents of children under 18. The bill authorizes Alabama's Attorney General to enforce violations as deceptive trade practices and allows parents to file civil lawsuits for noncompliance. Key provisions include mandatory age checks before app downloads and clarifying that this law doesn't override other state age verification requirements. The bill is currently pending in the Alabama House of Representatives.

Issues: ✓ Technology

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Jan 2026

House Passage

Feb 2026

Senate Passage

Feb 2026

Signed into Law

Feb 2026

Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Signed Feb 17, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Engrossed → Enrolled · 5 edits · Feb 17, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was finalized for signing, updating the version number and page headers. Substantively, the definitions section was expanded to include new terms like 'Age Rating' and 'Pre-installed App,' and the definition of 'Mobile Device' was broadened to include more device types. Additionally, the requirements for parental consent were clarified to require verification that the parent is at least 18 years old and to include specific disclosures about data collection and age ratings.

Scope change

The scope of the bill's definitions was expanded to cover a wider range of devices and app types, including pre-installed software, ensuring the consumer protection rules apply more broadly.

DEFINITION

Added new definitions for 'Age Rating' and 'Pre-installed App' to clarify how the law applies to different types of software and content.

Expanded the definition of 'Mobile Device' to explicitly include devices with cellular connectivity, internet access, and mobile operating systems, broadening the bill's reach.

REQUIREMENT

Updated the 'Verifiable Parental Consent' definition to require that the consenting individual be verified as at least 18 years old.

Added specific content requirements for parental consent disclosures, including details on data sharing, protection methods, age ratings, and content descriptions.

TECHNICAL

Updated the document version number from V7D54VP-2 to V7D54VP-3 and changed the status header from 'Engrossed' to 'Enrolled' to reflect final legislative approval.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Feb 10, 2026

Lower · Passed

Sells Concur In and Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 367

lower

Feb 5, 2026

Upper · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 244

upper

Feb 5, 2026

Upper · Passed

Singleton motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 243

upper

Feb 5, 2026

Introduced

Singleton 1st Amendment Offered

upper

Jan 28, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported Out of Committee Second House

upper

Jan 23, 2026

Upper · Passed

Pending Committee Action in Second House (Children and Youth Health)

upper

Jan 22, 2026

Lower · Passed

Motion to Add Cosponsor - Adopted Roll Call 127

lower

Jan 22, 2026

Lower · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 126

lower

Jan 22, 2026

Lower · Passed

Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 125

lower

Jan 22, 2026

Introduced

Chestnut 1st Amendment Offered

lower

Jan 14, 2026

Lower · Passed

Reported Out of Committee House of Origin

lower

Jan 13, 2026

Lower · Passed

Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (State Government)

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors