Ohio HB 96

Ohio included an age verification provision (Sec. 1349.10) in its 3,156-page budget bill. Click here to see a PDF of the relevant portion.

Requirements:

• Specified AV methods include third-party systems using photo ID or transactional data (like employment or education records).
• A geofence must check if the user is located in Ohio. If they are, access is blocked until age is verified. Users must be notified if a geolocation check fails.
• Age must be reverified every two years for ongoing accounts.

Enforcement:

• The Ohio Attorney General can bring civil suits if a minor accesses restricted content due to noncompliance.
• The AG must first give written notice; the organization has 45 days to fix issues and confirm compliance.
• If the organization fails to respond or violates again, the AG can seek injunctive relief.
• Only the AG can enforce the law—no private lawsuits are allowed.

Effective Date: September 29, 2025