Technology

in committee · Alabama · House Feb 24, 2026

HB 174: Video games; age rating, required; penalties for violations, provided

HB 174 requires video game manufacturers selling 25+ copies in Alabama to ensure games receive an age rating from the ESRB or a similar organization before sale. Manufacturers must display the rating visibly on physical packaging or at point-of-sale, and provide detailed rating explanations on a consumer-accessible website. Violations would be treated as deceptive trade practices under Alabama law, subjecting manufacturers to existing penalties. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, directly affecting game sellers operating in the state.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires age ratings for video games to protect consumers, aligning with consumer protection regulations in the technology sector.95% confidence

Tags Consumer Protection

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signed · Alabama · House Apr 16, 2026

HB 329: Education; public K-12 schools, completion of approved computer science course required

HB 329 requires all Alabama public K-12 students to complete an approved computer science course to graduate, starting with the 2032 graduating class. The bill expands the definition of computer science to include AI and algorithmic processes, and establishes standards for approved courses that must focus on creating technology, not just using it. Approved computer science credits can count toward math, science, or career education graduation requirements without increasing the total credit count. School districts must implement phased course offerings: high schools by 2020-2021, middle schools by 2021-2022, and elementary schools by 2022-2023. The State Department of Education will develop course standards and maintain an approved course list.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates computer science curriculum expansion including AI, requiring creation-focused courses to meet graduation requirements, strengthening educational standards and access.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates computer science education including AI/algorithmic processes, focusing on creating technology to build digital skills, advancing tech literacy in K-12 education.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education Artificial Intelligence

in committee · Alabama · House Jan 22, 2026

HB 325: AI chatbots; unfair or deceptive trade practice for failing to notify consumer about AI chatbot; private right of action and enforcement provided for

HB 325 requires businesses using AI chatbots in commercial interactions to clearly tell consumers at the start of and periodically during conversations that they are communicating with a computer, not a human. This applies directly to companies offering goods or services online through AI chatbots that might make consumers believe they are talking to a person. Violating this rule would be considered an unfair or deceptive trade practice, allowing consumers to sue for up to $1,000 per violation or seek injunctive relief. The Alabama Attorney General can also enforce the law by seeking civil penalties of up to $5 million for violations.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates AI chatbot disclosure to prevent consumer deception, strengthening digital rights and consumer protection in tech interactions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Tags Consumer Protection

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in committee · Alabama · House Feb 19, 2026

HB 327: Consumer protection; production of digital replicas of voice or visual likenesses, prohibited for commercial use unless licensed, procedures established, private right of action authorized

HB 327 is a consumer protection bill prohibiting businesses from using a person's voice or image in a digital replica for commercial purposes without their written consent. It creates a private right for individuals to sue if their likeness is used without authorization, while allowing exceptions for news, commentary, satire, and short, non-commercial uses. The law also establishes that rights to control digital replicas last 10 years after a person's death (with possible 5-year renewals) but cannot exceed 50 years total. This directly affects individuals whose likenesses might be replicated and businesses creating or using such digital representations.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits unauthorized commercial use of digital likenesses, strengthening data privacy protections for consumers under digital rights framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Tags Consumer Protection

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signed · Alabama · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 303: Cryptocurrency; measures to prevent fraud by cryptocurrency kiosk operators imposed, penalties established, Alabama Securities Commission authorized to enforce

HB 303 requires cryptocurrency kiosk operators in Alabama to provide clear, upfront disclosures to consumers before transactions, including costs, fees, and exchange rates, and display warnings about common fraud schemes (like impersonation scams or fake lottery offers). Operators must give consumers a physical or digital receipt for each transaction and send a digital copy to the Alabama Securities Commission. The bill also mandates refunds for fraudulently induced transactions and requires operators to establish a consumer service line and direct communication with law enforcement. Violations could trigger civil or criminal penalties.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires crypto kiosk disclosures, fraud warnings, and refunds, protecting consumers from digital transaction scams per consumer protection in tech regulation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

passed · Alabama · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 106: Crimes and offenses; to further provide for the crime of doxing; to further provide for penalties

This bill updates Alabama's doxing law by making it a crime to intentionally share someone's personal information (like home addresses or photos of their children) online with the intent that others use it to harass or harm them, even if no actual harm occurs. It increases penalties for repeat offenses and specifically targets doxing directed at law enforcement officers, firefighters, or public servants, with higher penalties when these individuals are harmed or impeded in their duties. The law explicitly excludes protected political speech and publishing public officials' contact information for lobbying purposes. Penalties range from a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense to a Class B felony for repeat offenses targeting public servants.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by creating new penalties for doxing, increasing legal consequences for online harassment targeting public servants, aligning with 'oppose' indicators of expanded criminalization.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill criminalizes doxing by protecting personal data from unauthorized online sharing, directly strengthening data privacy safeguards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Data Privacy

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signed · Alabama · House Apr 17, 2026

HB 75: Public high schools; students excused from class for scholarship acceptance, college commitment, military enlistment

HB 75 requires Alabama public high schools to excuse students from class during instructional time for organized National Signing Day events related to athletic scholarships, college commitments, apprenticeships, or military enlistment. The bill directly affects high school students participating in these specific opportunities, ensuring they can attend without academic penalties. Schools must provide reasonable accommodations like meeting spaces with internet access for these activities. The law would take effect on October 1, 2026, if passed.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill removes academic barriers for students attending educational/career events (college, military, apprenticeships), directly expanding access to opportunities and supporting K-12 educational pathways.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates schools provide internet access for student events, directly advancing internet access as a required accommodation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education Student Financial Aid Broadband Access

passed · Alabama · House Feb 25, 2026

HB 4: Taxation; establishes Alabama Broadband Investment Maximization Act; exempts ADECA project funded or administered purchases from sales and use tax

HB 4 establishes the Alabama Broadband Investment Maximization Act, exempting purchases of broadband equipment and supplies for projects funded or administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) from state sales and use taxes. This directly affects ADECA-funded broadband infrastructure projects by reducing their costs. The exemption covers equipment like cables, antennas, and routers used for broadband services or internet access, but excludes personal devices such as smartphones and consumer routers. The tax exemption applies from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2029, and does not extend to local county or municipal taxes unless specifically approved.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts ADECA broadband equipment purchases from sales tax, reducing project costs and supporting infrastructure funding under fiscal responsibility.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExempts broadband equipment from taxes, reducing costs for infrastructure projects and expanding internet access per bill's explicit purpose.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Tax Incentives Broadband Access

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