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Minnesota Age-Verification Bill for Adult Sites Draws Scrutiny After Hearing

The measure remains under committee review with no vote taken.

Minnesota State Representative Leigh Finke (C) arrives to cheers from supporters before the Minnesota Senate introduces the Trans Refuge Bill at the State Capitol Building in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on April 21, 2023. - The Minnesota legislature passed a "trans refuge" bill that would guarantee legal protection for trans people coming to Minnesota from elsewhere to access medical care. "We're trying to not just say it's okay to be trans, but you can come here and be safe," said Leigh Finke, Minnesota's first openly trans legislator, who sponsored the legislation. Stephen Maturen/AFP via Getty
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Overview

  • HF 1434 would require users to verify they are 18 before accessing websites where at least one-third of content is deemed harmful to minors under a detailed statutory list.
  • Sponsor Rep. Ben Bakeberg said verification data must be deleted within 24 hours, cannot be sold, and that enforcement targets websites rather than internet service providers.
  • The proposal contemplates enforcement by the state attorney general and allows parents or guardians to bring civil actions against noncompliant sites.
  • Supporters, including a Minnesota Family Council representative, cited research on teens’ accidental exposure to pornography and described available age-check technologies.
  • Democrats cautioned the bill’s definitions could sweep in nonpornographic material, and Rep. Leigh Finke’s warning about potential harm to LGBTQ youth drew online criticism as he posted the full hearing video and said he supports blocking minors from hardcore pornography.