The Kansas Legislature has passed a proposal that would require pornography websites to verify visitors are adults before allowing access to explicit content. Following in the footsteps of Texas and several other states, the bill has been sent to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly for approval. The House voted 92-31 in favor of the measure, while the Senate approved it unanimously last month.

Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to protect children from the widespread availability of pornography online. Oklahoma Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, a sponsor of similar legislation, highlighted the increased accessibility of explicit material due to digital devices, stating that it is now common for children to be alone with their devices in their bedrooms.

However, critics of the bill have raised concerns about potential violations of free speech and press rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment. There are worries that the law could be interpreted broadly, potentially restricting access to information about sexual orientation or gender identity for LGBTQ+ teenagers.

The bill would make it a violation of state consumer protection laws for websites to fail to verify the age of Kansas visitors, with potential fines of up to $10,000 for each violation. Parents could also sue for damages of at least $50,000. There are also concerns about the security of personal information and the potential for fraudulent use of age verification data.

Despite these concerns, supporters of the bill emphasize the importance of protecting minors from exposure to pornography. Republican Rep. Chuck Smith urged his colleagues to prioritize the safety of children, stating that "everybody knows what pornography is."

The bill now awaits Gov. Kelly's decision, with enough support in the Legislature to override a potential veto. Kansas joins a growing number of states enacting age-verification laws for pornography websites, with at least eight states having already implemented similar measures.