Children and Senior Advocacy

This bill creates a new permanent advisory commission called the Permanent Joint Legislative Advisory Commission on Alabama Boys and Men to study issues affecting boys and men in the state and provide policy recommendations to the Legislature. The commission will consist of 14 members, including 10 non-legislative members appointed by the Governor and four legislative members from both the House and Senate, with requirements for diversity in race, age, geography, and professional background. The commission will meet at least quarterly to research topics such as education, health, family stability, and public safety, and must submit an annual report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature and Governor. The commission is authorized to operate until October 1, 2030, when it will sunset unless extended by the Legislature.

HB 173 requires online platforms (like social media) to restrict algorithmic recommendations and content prioritization for minors under 18 unless parental consent is obtained or age is verified. It limits notification hours for minors, sets default platform settings to restrict access during certain times, and mandates tools for parents to enable stricter controls. Platforms must annually disclose specific data and face penalties under Alabama’s Deceptive Trade Practices Act for violations. The bill directly affects minors using covered platforms and the operators of those platforms.

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.

HB 456, the Youth Athlete Protection Act, requires local governments (cities, counties) that run youth sports programs to create a Youth Athlete Protection Policy by January 2027. This policy must prevent child abuse by setting clear standards for coach conduct, banning behaviors like sexual or physical abuse, and requiring coaches to report suspected abuse. The bill also mandates annual criminal background checks for all coaches (paid and volunteer) through Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency or accredited agencies, plus a check of the state teacher certification database for coaches previously employed by schools. It directly affects youth athletes under 18, their parents, coaches, and local governments operating youth sports programs.

HB 9 prevents individuals convicted of elder abuse or financial exploitation from benefiting from the victim's estate or contracts. Specifically, if convicted, the abuser cannot inherit through a will, receive property from joint accounts, or claim life insurance or other beneficiary benefits tied to the victim. The bill amends Alabama law to apply these restrictions automatically upon conviction for elder abuse/neglect (first/second degree) or financial exploitation of elderly persons. It ensures assets pass as if the abuser predeceased the victim, directly protecting vulnerable seniors from financial exploitation by caregivers or family members.