Two bills aimed at enhancing safety measures for minors using smartphones and tablets are set to be reviewed by Alabama House committees this week. Senate Bill 186 and Senate Bill 187, which recently passed in the Senate, propose mandatory obscene content filters on devices and age verification by app stores.
Senator Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville, who is sponsoring both bills, stated, “It’s all about protecting children.” SB186 was approved with a vote of 28-5, while SB187 passed with a vote of 26-6.
SB186 mandates that all smart devices manufactured from June 1 onwards must have obscene content filters enabled if used by minors. Noncompliance could result in civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation, capped at $50,000. SB187 requires app stores to verify users’ ages before allowing unrestricted access to apps. Violations could incur penalties up to $50,000 without a cap.
Both bills were modified through amendments before passing the Senate. The effective date for SB186 was moved up by 19 months to June 1 of this year and excludes video game consoles. Minor clarifications were made to SB187.
Utah previously enacted similar legislation requiring age verification by app stores on March 26. Chambliss noted that changes to his bills align them with Utah’s laws and those being considered in other states.
The Alabama Policy Institute supports both bills; however, opposition exists from groups like NetChoice. Lobbyist Justin Hill argued that efforts should focus on producers of obscene content rather than device manufacturers and app store providers.
SB186 is scheduled for discussion on Wednesday in the House Committee on Commerce and Small Business. A hearing date for SB187 has not been set yet.
