Bill > HB2609

This bill aims to provide parents with greater control over their children's digital experiences by establishing new requirements for device manufacturers, application stores, and app developers. The bill defines key terms such as "application," "child" (under 16 years old), and "device," and mandates that starting January 1, 2026, covered manufacturers must take steps to determine a device user's age during initial activation. Application stores will be required to obtain parental consent before allowing children to download apps and provide developers with age-related signals. Developers must create features that help parents manage their children's app usage, including tools to link accounts, manage content appropriateness, and limit daily usage time. The bill includes provisions to prevent anticompetitive practices by application stores and establishes an enforcement mechanism where the Attorney General can issue notices for violations and seek damages up to $2,500 per violation (not exceeding $50,000). The legislation specifically excludes broadband services, telecommunications services, and physical products from its scope, and provides some protections for manufacturers and developers who make good-faith efforts to comply with the law's requirements.