HB 168 — Alabama Child Protection Act of 2024 (AI-generated child sexual abuse material)

Summary

Alabama's Child Protection Act of 2024 rewrote the state's child sexual abuse material offenses so that they also reach a "virtually indistinguishable depiction": an image made or altered by digital, computer-generated or other means that a reasonable person would take to show a real child under 18 in sexually explicit conduct. AI-generated material is therefore treated like material depicting a real child. The act also creates a civil cause of action with punitive damages for certain offenses and directs the State Board of Education to require local school boards to adopt related policies. Governor Ivey signed it on April 30, 2024; it took effect on October 1, 2024.

Key dates

1. April 30, 2024 (signed by the Governor)Enacted
2. October 1, 2024Takes effect
3. October 16, 2026Checked against sources
4. October 21, 2026Checked against sources

Developments are added when the record is reviewed. Next review: October 16, 2027.

Evidence

Each passage is quoted from its source. The quoted passages are re-checked against the live pages every month.

1. Section 10. This act shall become effective on October

   Supports: Effective date clause (the next line of the enrolled bill reads "1, 2024")

   (15) VIRTUALLY INDISTINGUISHABLE DEPICTION. A visual

   Supports: Definition that brings AI-generated depictions into the offenses

   HB168 Enrolled Alabama Legislature Primary source

2. Today, we got to bear witness to the Alabama Child Protection Act, HB168, being signed into law

   Supports: Act name, bill number and signing (article dated April 30, 2024)

   Ivey signs law giving enhanced penalties for AI-produced child porn 1819 News Reporting or analysis