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

Asa Akira to Deliver XBIZ Talk at Miami Conference

XBIZ is pleased to announce that decorated performer, Pornhub brand ambassador, and author Asa Akira is set to deliver an exclusive talk at XBIZ Miami.

JustFor.fans Launches 'Fentanyl Test Strip' Initiative

JustFor.fans (JFF) has launched a test strip initiative to combat the nationwide fentanyl crisis.

2025 XBIZ Miami Speaker Lineup Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the release of the full speaker lineup for XBIZ Miami, the latest edition of the adult industry’s premier summer conference, set to take place May 19-22 at the Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach hotel in South Beach.

AV Bulletin: Arizona's About-Face, What New Laws Mean for Adult

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 United States. In the meantime, state legislatures continue to weigh and pass AV bills, the U.K. and the EU are moving ahead with their own AV mandates and strategies, and legal challenges continue to play out in U.S. courts — with some cases on hold pending the SCOTUS ruling in Paxton.

Million Billion Media Launches New Website

Management and PR agency Million Billion Media (MBM) has launched a new website.

'Neon Nightswim' Party Returns to XBIZ Miami

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the annual Neon Nightswim Pool Party will once again illuminate XBIZ Miami on Tuesday, May 20.

FSC Addresses UK Age Verification Guidelines

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published an article offering guidance on the U.K.'s Online Safety Act and the various guidelines put forward by the country's telecommunications regulator Ofcom.The article follows:

European Commission Posts AV Guidelines, Seeks Feedback

The European Commission has made public its draft guidelines on protecting minors online under the Digital Services Act, including age verification requirements covering adult sites and platforms.

'White-Hot' Party Set to Kick Off XBIZ Miami

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the annual White-Hot Party, the official opening bash of XBIZ Miami, is set for Monday, May 19, at Mynt Lounge in South Beach.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches for March, April

AEBN has released the top search terms for March and April from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Show More