MONTGOMERY — Day 6 is in the books for the Alabama House of Representatives, meaning lawmakers completed two weeks of the 2026 legislative session as of Thursday.
House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) highlighted the passage of House Bill (HB161), the App Store Accountability Act, carried by State Rep. Chris Sells (R-Greenville), as one of the top accomplishments of the session to date for the House.
According to the Speaker's office, the legislation gives parents greater control over their children's digital activity amid growing concerns about how children utilize electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets.
If enacted into law, the legislation would sort children into age categories when new accounts are created on app stores and allow the guardians of underage users to set up linked accounts through which they can approve or deny app downloads and in-app purchases. Additionally, if developers make changes to applications, parents would be required to reauthorize their use.
"The cell phone bill we just passed, I think, is an important bill," Ledbetter said during a press gaggle on Thursday. "It's something that's been back and forth the last couple of years that [we've] tried to get right. A lot of people worked very hard on that bill. I think folks kind of proved it was something people wanted on both sides, something that parents needed to control what's on kids' phones. It's one of those things that the polls show us over 80% of the people approve of it. So, I think getting it right was important. I think they did a very good job. I applaud [State Government Committee] Chairman Sells for his work on that legislation."
The House Speaker said the possibility of inclement weather may shake up next week's legislative calendar. However, he said he anticipated that the Child Predator Death Penalty Act (HB41), sponsored by State Rep. Matt Simpson (R-Daphne), would be considered by the entire House next week.
"One of the bills we'll have the calendar will be Matt Simpson's about the rape for a minor," he said. "I think that's something that's important that needs to be talked about, debated on the floor. So, we'll certainly have that bill on the floor next week."
Jeff Poor is the editor-in-chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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