Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to obscene material available on devices and imposing civil liability on certain entities who publish or distribute obscene material on the internet
Sponsored by Rep. John H. Wills (R)
Topics:Courts & civil lawTechnology & privacyKids online & social mediaBooks & libraries
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 15, 2025
- Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 16, 2025
- Done: House committeeFebruary 26, 2025
- Skipped: Passes the HouseContinued as HF 864
- Next: Senate committee
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Became HF 864 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 864 What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary Companies that intentionally put obscene content on the internet must use reasonable ways to check if a user is a minor. If a business fails to do this and a minor sees the material, that company can be sued for damages and legal fees. This rule does not apply to people who simply use the internet or provide the service that allows others to connect.1
Read the official explanation
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.
Changed since by amendment S-5231; see Amendments.
House subcommittee
Named January 16, 2025. On January 29, 2025 it recommended passage.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part
4 written public comments to its subcommittee: February 10, 2025 (3), January 29, 2025 (1) · on the Legislature’s site
Family tree
Tried before
This idea has been filed in an earlier General Assembly. None got through a chamber.
- HF 2051 Relating to obscene material available on devices and imposing civil liability on entities…90th General Assembly · Subcommittee recommends passage · similarCleared committee
Matched by wording or an identical title.