Governor Ivey Signs “App Store” Bill Into Law
By Isabella Gomez
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News
February 23, 2026
MONTGOMERY, AL. A new bill aimed at protecting children in Alabama was signed into law on Thursday, by Gov. Kay Ivey.
The Governor signed the “App Store Accountability Act.” The bill requires app store providers to verify the age of users, affiliate minor accounts with parent accounts and obtain consent from the holder of the parent account, and to notify users when an app makes a significant change, give developers real-time access to the age category and consent status for minor accounts, and protect personal age verification data.
The bill HB161 came about after some discussion and was submitted by Rep. Chris Sells (R-Greenville).
App stores now must verify certain information and make notifications.
The bill is all about protecting children.
The bill was a priority in the House. Shortly after its passage, House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) highlighted the passage of the App Store Accountability Act as one of the top accomplishments of the session to date for the House.
It’s unfortunate, but we have had numerous situations in our state and others where children have come across content that their mind was not ready to receive, and it has created chaos and created problems in those children’s lives.
In a social media post, Ivey said, “I was proud to sign HB161 to strengthen protections for Alabama children in the digital world. HB161 also gives greater tools to parents. In Alabama, protecting kids isn’t optional — it’s our responsibility.”
The bill will go into effect in 2027.
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