HB 3696 · 2025 session
Did not passUse of software applications by minors
Requires application stores and developers to verify the age of users and categorize them accordingly.
Where it stands
Last action, June 27, 2025: In committee upon adjournment.
What it does
The Act makes a new law about kids and apps. App stores must check the age of people who use their apps and group them into age categories. Before kids can download, buy or use apps, or make purchases inside an app, their parents must say yes. App developers must show clear age ratings for their apps, and parents can set time limits on how long their kids can use the apps. The law also makes sure app stores have tools to block certain content from kids. Provides for penalties if the law is not followed.
Full legislative summary
Requires application stores and developers to verify the age of users and categorize them accordingly. Requires application stores to obtain parental consent before allowing a minor to download, purchase or use software applications, or making purchases available within a software application. Requires developers to display accurate age ratings for software applications and provide tools for parents to limit usage time. Mandates that application stores offer parental controls and prevent certain content from being accessible to minors. Provides that a violation of the law is an unlawful trade practice.
Allows the Attorney General to bring an action or impose civil penalties to enforce requirements.
Allows parents to bring a civil action if the law is violated.
Directs the Department of Justice to convene a temporary advisory committee.
Similar laws in other states
- Utah S.B. 142(opens in a new tab)2025First App Store Accountability Act: app stores must verify ages and link minors' accounts to a parent who consents to downloads and purchases.
- Texas SB 2420(opens in a new tab)2025Requires app stores to verify users' ages and get parental consent before minors download apps or make purchases.
- Louisiana HB 570(opens in a new tab)2025App stores must verify ages and obtain parental consent for minors; a 2026 law (HB 977) delayed its start to July 2027.
- California AB 1043(opens in a new tab)2025Digital Age Assurance Act: device operating systems ask a user's age at setup and send an age-bracket signal to apps, starting 2027.
- Alabama HB 161(opens in a new tab)2026App stores must sort users into age brackets, link minors to a verified parent account and get parental consent for downloads and purchases.
- Colorado SB26-051(opens in a new tab)2026Operating systems must collect a user's age at account setup and share an age signal with apps through a real-time interface.
- Illinois HB5511(opens in a new tab)2026Devices and operating systems collect a child's birth date at setup; apps must use the age signal to apply protective defaults for minors.
History
· House
In committee upon adjournment.
· House
Referred to Commerce and Consumer Protection.
· House
First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.