Rep. Chris Sells

Primary HB 318

In committee · Alabama House · Lead sponsor

Consumer protection; filter requirements on Internet enabled devices, penalties for violation

Maddy summaryHB 318 requires smartphone and tablet manufacturers to install a default filter on devices activated in Alabama for users under 18, blocking access to obscene content as defined by Alabama law. The filter must be enabled during device setup for minors and only removable via a password, with users notified when content is blocked. Manufacturers failing to comply face civil lawsuits by parents/guardians (up to $50,000 per violation) or the Attorney General (up to $5,000 per device), while non-parents disabling the filter could also be liable. The law applies to devices manufactured on or after January 1, 2027, and targets manufacturers with a registered agent in Alabama.

TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates default content filters on devices for minors, enhancing consumer protection via tech company regulations as defined in bill's summary.95% confidence

In committee Feb 20, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 317

In committee · Alabama House · Lead sponsor

Consumer protection, app store providers and developers required to take certain actions related to age verification and parental consent, Attorney General authorized to bring action for violations as deceptive trade practice, parents authorized to bring civil action

Maddy summaryHB 317 requires app stores (like Apple App Store or Google Play) and app developers in Alabama to verify the age of users and obtain verifiable parental consent before minors (under 18) can download apps, make purchases, or use in-app features. It mandates app stores to notify users (and parents for minors) of significant app changes, provide real-time age and consent data to developers, and protect age verification information through encryption. The bill prohibits app stores and developers from enforcing contracts against minors without consent, misrepresenting disclosures, or sharing age data improperly. Violations can be enforced by the Attorney General as deceptive trade practices.

TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires age verification and parental consent for minors, mandates encryption of age data, enhancing data privacy protections under consumer protection regulations.95% confidence

In committee Feb 20, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 367

died · Alabama House · Lead sponsor

State holidays, adding Juneteenth as a state holiday, providing that state offices shall not close on Jefferson Davis' birthday and Juneteenth

State Government

died May 7, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 167

Passed · Alabama House · Lead sponsor

Consumer protection; filter requirements on Internet enabled devices, penalties for violation

Consumer Protection

Passed May 7, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 270

Signed into law · Alabama House · Lead sponsor

Tax delinquent properties, provides for distribution of excess funds from certain tax sale, actions to foreclose and quiet title, public auction demanded and distribution of proceeds, distribution of surplus proceeds, limited application of act.

Property & Estates

Signed into law May 7, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 177

Passed · Alabama House · Lead sponsor

Commerce Dept; secretary and deputy secretary salary revised

State & State Officers

Passed Apr 25, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HJR 44

Signed into law · Alabama House · Lead sponsor

Jimmy Jones, commended

Resolutions

Signed into law Apr 5, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 366

In committee · Alabama House · Lead sponsor

Consumer protection, further provides for data breaches

Consumer Protection

In committee Mar 21, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HJR 36

Signed into law · Alabama House · Lead sponsor

Jimmy Jones, Hall of Fame

Resolutions

Signed into law Mar 8, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 295

In committee · Alabama House · Lead sponsor

Day care centers; required to install and maintain video cameras; use of cameras and recordings, limited to certain circumstances; video recordings confidential except following incident of alleged abuse, neglect, harassment, or other inappropriate behavior; Dept. of Human Resources required to adopt rules

Children

In committee Mar 6, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track