The bill aims to enhance consumer protection by instituting age-verification requirements for the distribution of sexual material harmful to minors on adult websites, applications, and digital platforms. It mandates that commercial entities employ 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 introduces a new 10 percent tax on the gross receipts of commercial entities operating adult websites, with the revenue directed to the Department of Mental Health for behavioral health services. The bill also includes provisions for warnings about the dangers of pornography and emphasizes the public health crisis it poses.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 13A-6-240 of the Code of Alabama, changing the term "person" to "individual" and requiring written consent for the distribution of private images, with specific exceptions. It establishes civil actions for individuals harmed by violations of the age-verification requirements and grants the Attorney General the authority to impose civil penalties for non-compliance. The bill categorizes violations as Class A misdemeanors or Class C felonies for repeat offenses and allows the Attorney General to seek emergency injunctions against violations. The provisions will take effect on different dates, with the tax provisions starting on September 1, 2025, and the remaining sections becoming effective on October 1, 2024.

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