AV Bulletin: Two End Runs, Two Failed Bills

AV Bulletin: Two End Runs, Two Failed Bills

Industry stakeholders and free speech advocates have anxiously been awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, which could significantly impact state age verification laws around the country. In the meantime, state legislatures continue to weigh and pass AV bills, AV tech providers continue to tout their services, and legal challenges continue to play out in the courts — with some cases on hold pending the SCOTUS ruling in Paxton.

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

The past two weeks saw developments that were cause for industry concern in some states, as well as for some relief in others.

From the ‘End Run’ Department

As XBIZ reported last week, Missouri’s attorney general is attempting to circumvent the state’s legislative process by unilaterally announcing a new state AV regulation, though the rule must first undergo a publication and public comment process.

In Ohio, legislators have employed another common tactic for advancing legislation that might be difficult to advance on its own: tacking age verification legislation onto an appropriations bill. If the state’s omnibus spending bill passes the state Senate, the new AV regulations will pass with it.

While the state’s Republican governor, Mike DeWine, has line-item veto power, it is unlikely that he would use it to veto the AV provisions. As a U.S. senator, DeWine strongly supported the Communications Decency Act, which was struck down by the Supreme Court in 1997 over First Amendment concerns.

Another Two Bite the Dust

A Nevada age verification bill has died before ever being heard in committee or voted on. AB 294 would have been yet another cookie-cutter AV law, but is now off the table due to a rule limiting action and referrals on most bills after the 68th day of the legislative session.

In Colorado, meanwhile, a bill reported on in XBIZ's April 1 Age Verification Bulletin has also gone down, this one postponed until at least next year by its own sponsors after it encountered opposition from civil liberties groups — including Free Speech Coalition — and a veto threat from the governor’s office.

Other Updates

  • As expected, North Dakota’s governor signed a recently passed AV bill into law on Friday.
  • In Pennsylvania, a cookie-cutter AV bill has been introduced with bipartisan sponsorship.
  • In France, an age assurance law with provisions that began rolling out in January expanded on April 11 to include non-European adult sites. 

Numerous other state bills, introduced earlier in the legislative session, continue to wind their way through committee hearings and floor readings in various states. Free Speech Coalition maintains and updates a list of pending AV legislation here.

When Will the Supreme Court Rule in FSC v. Paxton?

The Supreme Court will continue hearing oral arguments for cases under the current term until the end of April. Rulings on pending cases could be issued in May and/or June.

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

Dr. Charlotte Gaydos Joins ProDx Health Advisory Board

Dr. Charlotte Gaydos has joined the Advisory Board of ProDx Health.

Aylo Fined $5 Million as FTC, Utah Settle Safety Practices Complaint

The Federal Trade Commission and the state of Utah on Wednesday settled a complaint against Aylo, requiring the company to pay a $5 million penalty and implement measures to prevent illegal content from appearing on its sites.

New AI Companion Platform 'Pornstar.love' Launches

Pornstar.love, a new AI companion platform, has officially launched.

Pineapple Support, Stripchat to Host 'Navigating Thoughts of Suicide' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Stripchat are hosting a free online support group to help performers deal with suicidal ideation.

Plaiir Names Cade Maddox as Lead of Creator Relations

Networking platform Plaiir has appointed Cade Maddox as its new lead of creator relations.

Go.cam Launches 'One-Line Integration' Verification Solution

Go.cam has introduced a one-line code integration for age verification.

XBIZ Amsterdam to Debut 'Behind the Lens' Screening Series

XBIZ is pleased to announce the debut of “Behind the Lens,” a new screening series presenting discussions with noted directors, taking place at the upcoming annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam.

'White Rabbit' Party Headed for XBIZ Amsterdam

XBIZ is pleased to announce the White Rabbit Party, an XBIZ Amsterdam special event set to take place Wednesday, Sept. 3.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Speaker Lineup Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the release of the full speaker lineup for XBIZ Amsterdam 2025, the latest edition of Europe’s biggest adult industry conference, set to take place Sept. 2-5 at the Jakarta Hotel in Amsterdam.

Sara Jay, Dan Leal to Sponsor XBIZ Amsterdam Kick-Off Event

Sara Jay’s Wyde Syde Productions and Porno Dan Leal’s Market64 will co-sponsor the Bottoms Up Day Drinking kick-off event for XBIZ Amsterdam 2025 at Excalibur Café on Sept. 2, from 2-4 p.m. (CET).

Show More