AUSTIN, Texas — Republican State Representative Hillary Hickland has introduced a bill in the Texas legislature that would restrict the sale of pleasure products at "big-box" and other non-adult retailers.
Currently, pleasure products — which the bill refers to as "obscene devices" — are available at major chains, including CVS, Target, Walgreens and Walmart. The bill, HB 1549, would impose penalties for their continued sale in such venues.
"A business in this state may not sell, offer for sale, or hold for sale an obscene device unless the business is a sexually oriented business," the bill reads.
Under HB 1549, businesses could be fined up to $5,000 for each violation.
"Our family-oriented retailers should reflect the values of the communities they serve," said Hickland in a statement. "Parents do not consent to their children being exposed to obscene devices while shopping for toothpaste. House Bill 1549 provides common-sense protections for families by ensuring parents can shop with their children without encountering sexually explicit items that compromise their innocence."
If approved by two-thirds of the Texas House of Representatives, the law would take effect immediately. If approved by a simple majority, it would become law on Sept. 1, 2025.
Republican State Representative Christin Bentley posted on X.com in support of the bill.
"Whether it's porn in their libraries, sexually charged performances in a neighborhood restaurant, or sexually oriented devices on the shelves of the family-friendly market, children are increasingly confronted with sexually provocative content in public spaces designated for their use," she wrote. "The state has a compelling interest to protect children from sexualization, as it leads to their exploitation and is critical to both their safety and natural development."
Click here to read the full text of the bill.
