HB164, age verification for material harmful to minors
In force
Ala. Code § 8-19G-1 et seq.
Effective 2024-10-01 · Applies to private
Requires commercial entities whose websites are more than one-third sexual material harmful to minors to use a reasonable age verification method to ensure visitors are 18 or older, without retaining identifying information after access is granted.
| Age threshold | 18 |
| Verification methods | gov id, transactional data, third party service |
| Penalties | Violations are treated as a violation of the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, Chapter 19 of Title 8; a 10 percent excise tax also applies to gross receipts of qualifying adult websites. |
| Enforcement body | Alabama Attorney General |
| Private suits | no |
Source: Ala. Code § 8-19G-1 et seq.
HB161, App Store Accountability Act
Enacted, not yet in force
Act 2026-59 (HB161); Code of Alabama, Title 8
Effective 2027-01-01 · Applies to private
Requires app store providers to request and verify a user's age category (under 13, 13-15, 16-17, or 18 and older) at account creation, and to obtain verifiable parental consent before a minor may download an app or make purchases. Accounts existing before October 2, 2026 must be categorized and verified by October 1, 2027. Signed by Governor Kay Ivey on February 18, 2026 after passing both chambers unanimously.
| Age threshold | 18 |
| Verification methods | digital id, device signal, parental consent |
| Penalties | Knowing or reckless violations are deceptive trade practices under Chapter 19 of Title 8; the Attorney General has exclusive jurisdiction to bring an action and may collect a civil penalty of up to $7,500 per violation. |
| Enforcement body | Alabama Attorney General (exclusive) |
| Private suits | no |
Source: Act 2026-59 (HB161); Code of Alabama, Title 8