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Lenexa Today
By the People, for the People
Kansas Lawmakers Weigh App Store Age Verification Bill
Tech giants lobby state legislators as they consider legislation to restrict minors' access to apps
Published on Mar. 6, 2026
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The Kansas legislature is considering a bill that would require app store providers like Apple and Google to verify the ages of all app store users before allowing them to purchase, download, and use apps. The bill, known as the 'app store accountability act,' is aimed at preventing minors from accessing inappropriate or age-restricted content. Tech companies have heavily lobbied lawmakers on both sides of the issue, with Apple and Google opposing the bill while others like Netflix, Roblox, and Meta have provided information to legislators.
Why it matters
This legislation is part of a broader effort by states to address the issue of unfettered content consumption by minors online. If passed, it could set a precedent for other states to follow and significantly impact the operations of major tech companies. The debate highlights the tension between protecting children and preserving digital freedoms.
The details
Senate Bill 372 would require app store providers to verify the ages of all app store users before they can purchase, download, and use apps. The Kansas Attorney General's Office would be authorized to create age verification methods to prevent young people from accessing inappropriate or age-restricted content. The bill is based on contract law rather than First Amendment law, and would mandate that app stores ensure age is one of the personal data pieces required upon creating an account, beginning in 2027.
- The bill passed the Kansas Senate in a 34-6 vote on February 18, 2026.
- The House committee held hearings on the bill on March 6 and 7, 2026.
The players
Apple
A major tech company that operates a prominent app store and has lobbied against the Kansas bill.
A major tech company that operates a prominent app store and has lobbied against the Kansas bill.
Netflix
A streaming service that has provided information to Kansas legislators regarding the app store age verification bill.
Roblox
A popular gaming platform that has a registered lobbyist in Kansas and has faced reports of grooming on its platform.
Meta
The parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms, which has provided information to Kansas legislators regarding the app store age verification bill.
What they’re saying
“There's a lot of money here on both sides, but at the end of the day it's our kids that we're looking at.”
— Rep. Laura Williams, Lenexa Republican (Kansas Reflector)
“You can restrict apps. You can restrict content. You can restrict music.”
— Eric Stafford, President and CEO of the Kansas Chamber (Kansas Reflector)
“There's a lot of money floating around out there.”
— Rep. Steven Howe, Salina Republican (Kansas Reflector)
What’s next
The Kansas House committee will continue to consider the bill, and if it passes the House, it will go to the governor for signature or veto.
The takeaway
This legislation highlights the ongoing tension between tech companies' business interests and the need to protect minors from harmful online content. The outcome of the Kansas bill could set a precedent for other states and have significant implications for the digital landscape.
