The proposed bill, H.B. No. 2025-2026, aims to enhance the protection of minors in Ohio by requiring application stores to implement parental control options and obtain parental consent before allowing individuals under the age of 16 to download certain applications. The bill introduces a new section, 1349.07, which defines key terms such as "application store," "child," and "covered application." It mandates that starting January 1, 2026, developers must assess whether their applications are likely to be accessed by children and notify the application stores accordingly. Additionally, manufacturers of devices and operating systems are required to take reasonable steps to estimate the age of primary users and ensure compliance with these regulations.

Furthermore, the bill outlines specific responsibilities for application stores, including the need to provide mechanisms for parental consent and to facilitate parental supervision tools. It also establishes enforcement measures, allowing the attorney general to take civil action against entities that violate these provisions, with potential damages for non-compliance. The bill emphasizes that existing account controls may suffice if they meet the requirements, and it clarifies that it does not create a private right of action, reserving enforcement authority exclusively for the attorney general.