Alanis’ bill to protect children from exposure to sexually explicit websites passes the Assembly

Assemblyman Juan Alanis announced Thursday that his bill AB 3080 — age verification for pornographic websites — passed unanimously in the full House of the California State Assembly.

“This proposal is first and foremost about protecting children,” Alanis said. “We know there are serious negative impacts on young people who are exposed to this type of material, consume it regularly and become addicted to it at far too young a time.”

Speaking in plenary before the vote, the MP highlighted how the consequences of early childhood exposure affect future generations and society as a whole.

AB 3080 would require these websites to use established age verification technologies to confirm that the user is of legal age. Seventeen other states have already passed similar laws, and nineteen are actively considering legislation. The Internet is filled with a wealth of free pornographic material that is easily accessible to everyone, regardless of their age. AB 3080 leverages existing laws, also known as the Parent’s Accountability and Child Protection Act, which have long been used to protect children from other forms of harm.

When presented with privacy and free speech concerns, the assembly member pointed to the Supreme Court’s recent decision denying an emergency stay of a much broader and more restrictive Texas age verification law, which was recently upheld by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals became.

“I understand that California is different from other states and may not benefit from uniform legislation,” Alanis added. “I believe California requires a unique approach that upholds our values ​​and diversity. That’s why I promised my colleagues to continue working on this bill to ensure the protection of the LGBTQ+ community and will work to further address privacy concerns.”

AB 3080 was unanimously approved by both the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection and Judiciary Committees, with no dissenting votes to the bill. Rep. Alanis has pledged to continue working in good faith with opposition groups to craft a final bill that is a good fit for California.

“I take working with the opposition very seriously to find consensus wherever possible,” the MP said. “We will have serious working meetings with them as early as next week. However, taking no action on this matter and continuing the status quo is unacceptable.”

The MP answered questions following the vote and said he had no intention of harming the adult entertainment industry or those who work in it. He just wants to protect children. He pointed to the broader legislative package he authored in his first two years in office and in his nearly three decades as a sheriff’s deputy as evidence of his focus on protecting children.

AB 3080 now heads to the state Senate, where it will be referred to a committee for consideration. The House member has vowed to further amend the bill in the Senate and send it to the Assembly for a final vote on a completed measure.