HF 62: Relating to obscene material available on devices and imposing civil liability on certain entities who publish or distribute obscene material on the internet

What it does

This bill creates civil liability for commercial entities who publish or distribute obscene material on the internet that is accessed by minors. The bill requires a commercial entity that knowingly or intentionally publishes or distributes obscene material on the internet to use reasonable age verification methods to verify that the individual attempting to access the material is not a minor. A commercial entity that is found in violation shall be civilly liable to an individual for damages resulting from a minor’s access to the H.F. material, including court costs and reasonable attorney fees as ordered by the court. The bill does not impose civil liability on a provider or user of an interactive computer service on the internet.

House subcommittee · named January 16, 2025

• Rep. Skyler Wheeler (R) · skyler.wheeler@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Samantha Fett (R) · samantha.fett@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Dr. Megan L. Srinivas (D) · megan.srinivas@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 12 for, 0 against

For: Concerned Women For America of Iowa; Iowa Baptists For Biblical Values; Iowa Catholic Conference; Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition; Iowa Organization for Victim Assistance; Katherine Bogaards; PELLA PAC; Protect My Innocence; Soaring Hearts; The Family Leader; The Family Leader Foundation; VALOR Iowa

In plain words

1. January 15, 2025Filed in the House and sent to the Judiciary committee
2. January 16, 2025House subcommittee named: Wheeler, Fett and Srinivas
3. January 29, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. March 4, 2025Approved by the House committee
5. March 4, 2025Committee vote: 20–0
6. March 7, 2025Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 864
7. March 21, 2025Withdrawn