The proposed bill would amend current statutes by introducing new requirements for commercial entities that publish or distribute sexual material harmful to minors on the internet. Specifically, it mandates that these entities implement reasonable age verification methods to ensure that individuals accessing such material are at least 18 years old. The bill also stipulates that entities must not retain or transmit any identifying information of users to government entities, thereby enhancing privacy protections. Additionally, it clarifies that the prohibition against distributing harmful material does not apply to bona fide news organizations and outlines the responsibilities of internet service providers regarding content access.

Furthermore, the bill establishes civil liability for entities that fail to comply with these age verification requirements, allowing parents or guardians of minors and individuals whose information is unlawfully retained to take legal action. The penalties for violations include monetary damages, with specific amounts outlined for daily violations and instances of unlawful information retention. The bill also provides for the recovery of attorney fees for successful plaintiffs and defines key terms related to the legislation, ensuring clarity in its application. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen protections for minors against harmful online content while balancing the rights of news organizations and privacy concerns.