The bill aims to enhance consumer protection by instituting 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 also 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 emphasizes the public health crisis posed by pornography and aims to educate families about its harms.

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, allowing for the recovery of damages and attorney fees. The Attorney General is granted enforcement authority, including the ability to impose civil penalties and seek emergency injunctions against violations. The penalties for unauthorized distribution of private images are categorized as a Class A misdemeanor, escalating to a Class C felony for subsequent offenses. The tax provisions will take effect on September 1, 2025, while the remaining sections will become effective on October 1, 2024.

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