HB344 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris SellsRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Internet access, restrictions on sale of wireless telecommunication devices. filter required, deactivation procedure provided, civil and criminal penalties, provided

Summary

HB344 would require wireless providers to install and activate filters on devices to block material harmful to minors, with deactivation options, reporting processes, and penalties.

What This Bill Does

Starting January 1, 2021, wireless providers must install and activate a filter on every device with Internet access. Devices sold or leased must come with a pre-installed and active filter. The bill outlines deactivation and customization options, reporting and update mechanisms, injunctive relief for enforcement, and civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance or misuse.

Who It Affects

• Wireless telecommunications service providers must implement, maintain, and update filters and may face penalties for failing to comply.
• Consumers who purchase or use wireless devices (adults and minors, along with their parents or guardians) will have filters installed, receive unique passcodes, and be subject to deactivation rules, reporting channels, and potential penalties for misuse.

Key Provisions

• Requires filters that block material harmful to minors on all wireless devices with Internet access and across networks (Internet, mobile data, apps, home/public networks).
• Devices sold or leased must have a pre-installed, active filter; each filter has a unique passcode given to the adult purchaser or to the minor's parent/guardian.
• Adults/guardians may deactivate or customize filters; minors should have limited ability to deactivate; providers must update filters and provide channels to report blocked content.
• If a reported material is found to be harmful, providers must determine and install an update to block it; failure to respond can lead to civil action with penalties (including $500 per unblocked item) and potential reimbursement of the device price plus attorney fees.
• The Attorney General may seek injunctive relief; a non-parent/guardian who shares a passcode resulting in minor exposure commits a Class A misdemeanor; providers may have a good-faith defense for compliance.
• The bill includes an exception to local expenditure rules under Amendment 621 because it creates a new crime or changes an existing crime; effective January 1, 2021.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Internet