The bill aims to enhance consumer protection by establishing age-verification requirements for the distribution of sexual material considered harmful to minors on adult websites, applications, and digital platforms. It mandates that commercial entities implement a reasonable age-verification method to prevent access by individuals under 18. The bill prohibits the retention of personally identifying information during the age-verification process and establishes civil and criminal penalties for violations. Additionally, it grants the Attorney General enforcement authority and requires written consent for the distribution of private images, with specific exceptions. The bill amends Section 13A-6-240 of the Code of Alabama to require this written consent and emphasizes the public health crisis posed by pornography, particularly its impact on minors.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new 10% tax on the gross receipts of commercial entities operating adult websites, specifically targeting sales and content deemed harmful to minors. The tax will be collected by the State Department of Revenue, with proceeds allocated to the Department of Mental Health for behavioral health services. The bill also modifies existing laws regarding the distribution of private images by changing the term "person" to "individual" and clarifying the definition of "private image." It establishes penalties for violations, categorizing them as Class A misdemeanors or Class C felonies for repeat offenders, and protects internet service providers from liability for merely providing access to content. The tax provisions will take effect on September 1, 2025, while other sections will become effective on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13A-6-240
Engrossed: 13A-6-240
Enrolled: 13A-6-240