Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2301

Introduced
2/6/23  
Refer
2/6/23  

Caption

Requiring commercial entities that produce material harmful to minors on the internet to require age verification for access to such internet sites and establishing a civil cause of action against such commercial entities by persons harmed to recover actual and punitive damages, court costs and attorney fees.

Impact

The bill introduces a civil cause of action against entities that fail to adhere to the age verification requirements, allowing harmed individuals to seek actual and punitive damages. This change is significant as it places a legal responsibility on commercial entities to protect minors from accessing harmful content. The bill also stipulates that these entities cannot retain any identifying information from users once access has been granted, aiming to secure minors' privacy when verification is performed.

Summary

House Bill 2301 establishes regulations requiring commercial entities that publish or distribute harmful material to minors on the internet to implement age verification measures for individuals seeking access. The bill highlights the concern over the availability of pornography to minors and its potential negative effects on their development and well-being. It aims to address the perceived public health crisis posed by internet pornography, which proponents argue has led to increased issues such as the hyper-sexualization of youth, body image disorders, and risky sexual behaviors.

Conclusion

Overall, HB 2301 reflects a growing legislative trend to increase protections for minors in the digital age. While the intent is to safeguard youth from inappropriate material, the balance between protecting minors and preserving free access to information will be a critical debate as the bill progresses through the legislative process.

Contention

Discussions around HB 2301 are likely to center on concerns regarding freedom of expression and the feasibility of implementing age verification systems. Opponents may argue that such measures could infringe on First Amendment rights, complicate content access for legitimate users, and impose significant burdens on small businesses and content creators. Additionally, the definition of what constitutes material 'harmful to minors' remains contentious, as certain parties may view it as overly broad, potentially leading to excessive censorship and limited access to educational or artistic content.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS SB160

Require commercial entities that produce material harmful to minors on the internet to require age verification for access to such internet sites, establishing a civil cause of action against such commercial entities by persons harmed to recover actual and punitive damages, court costs and attorney fees.

KS HB910

Minors; civil remedy for damages against commercial entities that distribute material harmful to minors without performing age verification; create

KS HB1091

Minors; hold entities that publish harmful material on the internet civilly liable if age vertification is not performed.

KS HF489

A bill for an act relating to civil liability for commercial entities who publish or distribute material harmful to minors on the internet, and providing penalties.

KS SB2346

Material harmful to minors; provide for liability for any entity that distributes on the internet without age verification.

KS SB2886

Material harmful to minors; provide for liability for any entity that distributes on the internet without age verification.

KS SB66

To Create The Protection Of Minors From Distribution Of Harmful Material Act; To Establish Liability For The Publication Or Distribution Of Material Harmful To Minors On The Internet; And To Require Reasonable Age Verification.

KS HB3339

Protection of minors from harmful material on internet

KS HB4423

Protection of minors from harmful material on internet

KS SB544

Revise internet laws related to material harmful to minors

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.