The bill introduces a new section to chapter 51-07 of the North Dakota Century Code, establishing liability for commercial entities that publish or distribute sexual material deemed harmful to minors. It defines key terms such as "commercial entity," "distribute," "minor," and "sexual material harmful to a minor," and outlines the requirements for reasonable age verification methods that must be employed by these entities. If a commercial entity fails to implement these verification methods and knowingly allows minors access to such material, they can be held liable for damages. Additionally, the bill allows parents or guardians of minors who accessed harmful material, as well as individuals whose identifying information is improperly retained, to bring civil actions against the offending entities.

The legislation also includes provisions that protect bona fide news or public interest broadcasts from liability under this section and clarifies that internet service providers and related entities cannot be held responsible for merely providing access to content that may be harmful. The bill emphasizes the importance of age verification and the protection of minors while balancing the rights of news-gathering organizations and internet service providers. The act will apply to websites accessed on or after its effective date.