Missouri House Gives Initial Approval to Age Verification Bill

Missouri House Gives Initial Approval to Age Verification Bill

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri House of Representatives has given initial approval to HB 236, the state's proposed age verification law.

Introduced by Republican Representative Sherri Gallick, the law would apply to sites with at least one-third of their content considered "harmful to minors."

"Any commercial entity for which it is in the regular course of trade or business to publish or distribute in this state a website in which 33 percent or more of total material on the website is material harmful to minors shall be held liable if the entity fails to perform reasonable age-verification methods to verify the age of individuals attempting to access the material," the bill reads.

Gallick told Missourinet, "The internet has made pornography more accessible than ever, exposing minors to harmful content that can shape their behaviors, their expectations and even their mental health."

Added Democratic Representative Connie Steinmetz, a supporter of the bill, "My district did have firewalls, but these kids are really smart, and they know how to get around it. It interrupted my ability to teach because I was constantly kicking them off of porn sites, and we’re talking about third, fourth, and fifth graders."

While the bill does have some bipartisan support, not all of the legislature's Democrats are on board.

"This bill makes people feel better about the problem, doesn’t get rid of the problem," said Representative Keri Ingle, adding that the bill is "well-intentioned but completely ineffective," while also citing First Amendment and privacy concerns.

The bill requires one more vote in the Missouri House before it moves to the state's Senate.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

British Documentary Spotlights XBIZ Amsterdam With Candid Conversations

British creator and host Josh Pieters traveled to XBIZ Amsterdam to film a documentary about the annual European adult industry conference.

XBIZ 2026 to Debut 'New Talent Go-See' Special Event

XBIZ 2026, North America’s premier adult industry conference, will debut a special event designed to help new talent jump-start their careers: the New Talent Go-See.

Penthouse Announces Digital Archive Launch

Penthouse Magazine has announced that it will launch a comprehensive digital archive in 2026.

Dreamcam Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

Dreamcam has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches by Country for August, September

AEBN has released the list of popular searches from its straight and gay theaters by country in August and September.

AV in Focus: A Guide to Unlocking Compliance With Clarity

The age verification era isn’t coming — it’s here. Laws are already on the books in numerous U.S. states, as well as in the U.K., France and beyond.

Canadian Privacy Commissioner Endorses National AV Bill

Philippe Dufresne, privacy commissioner of Canada, has voiced support for a bill that would impose fines of up to $500,000 on adult sites that do not implement age verification for Canadian viewers.

Ricky Johnson Launches 'Ricky's Resort' Through YourPaysitePartner

Ricky's Room studio honcho Ricky Johnson has launched his latest site, RickysResort.com, through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Industry Attorney Paul Cambria Retires After 50 Years of Practicing Law

After more than a half-century in practice, during which he provided the defense in some of the adult industry's most notable legal cases, attorney Paul Cambria has retired.

2026 XMA Nominations Party Set for Nov. 19 in Hollywood

The 2026 XMA nominations reveal party will take place at Keys on the Sunset Strip on Wednesday, Nov. 19, with red-carpet arrivals starting at 8 p.m.

Show More