HB142 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris SellsRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

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

Summary

HB142 would require wireless providers to install active filters on internet-enabled devices to block material harmful to minors, with deactivation options, penalties, and reporting requirements.

What This Bill Does

Starting January 1, 2022, wireless providers must install and activate a filter on every device that can access the Internet. Devices sold or leased must include a preinstalled active filter, and each filter uses a unique passcode given to the buyer or the buyer's parent/guardian. The filter blocks material harmful to minors across the Internet, mobile data, apps, and networks, while allowing adults to deactivate or customize the filter; minors should have a hard time removing it. The bill provides for enforcement through injunctive relief and civil/criminal penalties, requires filter updates and reporting channels, and sets remedies for incorrect blockages, including potential refunds and attorney fees.

Who It Affects

• Wireless telecommunications service providers must install, maintain, update, and enforce filters on devices with Internet access.
• Adults who purchase devices receive the unique filter passcode and can manage filter settings for themselves.
• Minors have their Internet access restricted by the filter and rely on guardians to adjust settings; Passcodes for minors are given to a parent or legal guardian.
• Parents or legal guardians receive the minor’s passcode and can deactivate or customize the filter for their child.
• Non-parents who share a passcode with a minor can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor.
• The Attorney General may seek injunctive relief to enforce the bill.

Key Provisions

• Beginning January 1, 2022, wireless providers must install and activate a filter capable of blocking material harmful to minors on devices with Internet access.
• Devices sold or leased must contain a preinstalled and active filter; the filter must block harmful material across Internet, mobile data networks, apps, and public networks, and allow adults to deactivate or customize settings while being hard for minors to disable.
• Each filter has a unique passcode; adults receive the passcode at purchase, while minors’ passcodes go to the parent or legal guardian.
• The Attorney General may seek injunctive relief; if a non-harmful block is reported, providers must unblock it within a reasonable time; civil remedies may include up to $500 per unfiltered item, reimbursement of purchase price, and attorney fees.
• Providers are shielded from liability if they make a good-faith effort to comply using generally accepted methods and industry standards.
• A non-parent who shares a passcode with a minor who is exposed to harmful material commits a Class A misdemeanor.
• The bill includes a provision related to local funds (Amendment 621) but creates a specified exception because it defines a new crime; it becomes effective January 1, 2022.

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