House Bill 174 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ben RobbinsRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Video games; age rating, required; penalties for violations, provided

Summary

HB174 would require video games sold in Alabama to be rated for age appropriateness by ESRB or a similar rating organization, with violations treated as deceptive trade practices.

What This Bill Does

If 25 or more units of a video game are sold in Alabama, the manufacturer must ensure the game is rated by ESRB or a similar organization and has a suggested age level before continued sale in the state. The rating must be printed on the packaging (for physical sales) or displayed clearly at the point of purchase, and information explaining the rating must be available on a state-accessible website. Any violations would be treated as violations of the Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The law becomes effective on October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Video game manufacturers/sellers that have sold 25+ units in Alabama: must obtain and display the rating and provide online rating information.
• Consumers in Alabama who buy video games (and retailers at the point of sale): will have rating information readily visible and available online, with violations enforceable under consumer protection laws.

Key Provisions

• Requires video games sold in Alabama to be rated for age appropriateness by ESRB or a similar nationally recognized rating organization when at least 25 units have been sold in the state.
• Rating must be physically printed on packaging or conspicuously displayed at the point of purchase, and must include additional information explaining why the rating was given on a state website.
• Violations of these requirements are considered violations of the Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
• Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Consumer Protection