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," "covered application," and "parent." Starting January 1, 2026, developers must assess whether their applications are likely to be accessed by children and notify application stores accordingly. Additionally, manufacturers of devices and operating systems are required to take reasonable steps to determine the age of primary users and ensure compliance with these regulations.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that application stores provide mechanisms for parental consent and facilitate parental supervision tools for applications accessed by children. It outlines the responsibilities of covered manufacturers and developers in providing age-appropriate content and managing user accounts. The Attorney General is granted the authority to enforce compliance, including the ability to initiate civil actions against entities that violate these provisions. The bill emphasizes that existing account controls may suffice if they meet the requirements, and it does not create a private right of action, reserving enforcement solely for the Attorney General.