On Thursday, the Alabama Senate passed HJR51, a joint resolution establishing a Study Commission on Artificial Intelligence and Children’s Internet Safety.
The resolution, sponsored by State Rep. Robbins (R-Sylacauga) and a group of co-sponsors, creates a commission tasked with studying the effects of AI, social media, and internet access on children, investigating how other states are addressing the issue, and developing recommendations for future Alabama legislation.
The commission would include three Senators, three House members, a representative of the Attorney General’s office, and appointees from the Department of Mental Health, Voices for Alabama’s Children, the Alabama Cable and Broadband Association, and TechNet.
The commission must hold its first meeting by May 1 and deliver a report with findings and legislative recommendations to the Legislature by November 1, 2026, after which it would dissolve.
The resolution also directs the commission to coordinate with Alabama’s congressional delegation and the U.S. Department of Justice where practicable.
At the federal level, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) has made children’s online safety a priority, introducing the Kids Off Social Media Act and the Stop the Scroll Act as part of a broader push to address the threats social media and AI pose to children.
Thursday was day 12th of the 2026 legislative session.
Sawyer Knowles is a capitol reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may email him at [email protected].
