Elements in Missouri House working against non-partisan age verification bill

Raising a child is one of the most important things anyone will ever do. As adults, mentors, and members of society, we should protect our children—especially from harmful influences and dangerous situations. In today’s digital age, one of the most pressing threats they face is online pornography.

The internet has made explicit material more accessible than ever, exposing minors to harmful content that can shape their behaviors, expectations, and mental health. Research shows that children often perceive information on the internet as reality, which is alarming. With 24/7 access to phones, tablets, and laptops, they are more vulnerable than ever before.

Decades ago, accessing pornography required individuals to visit a store, present identification, and purchase it in private. Only those over 18 were allowed entry, acknowledging their legal status as adults. It should be no different today for online content.

However, children in Missouri can now access explicit content with just a simple click. Scientific research confirms that early exposure to pornography can significantly impact brain development in young individuals, altering brain structure and impairing impulse control. It disrupts dopamine regulation, making it difficult to find fulfillment in healthy relationships and increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal tendencies. Furthermore, studies indicate that prolonged exposure fosters aggression—both verbal and physical—toward women and may contribute to addictive behaviors.

The statistics are alarming: 90% of children aged 8-16 have encountered online pornography. Law enforcement officials estimate that more than 50,000 sexual predators are online at any given moment, and over 80% of pornography is linked to human trafficking. With over 1,532,467 minors under 18 in Missouri, protecting children should be a top priority.

To combat this issue, HB 236 would require all pornographic websites operating in Missouri to use a reputable, audited age verification provider. Louisiana was the first to enact such a law in 2022, and today, 19 states—including six that border Missouri, including Kansas—have implemented protections.

Age verification providers adhere to strict privacy regulations, ensuring a secure and reliable method for confirming users' ages. User data is never shared with adult sites or third parties, remaining safeguarded from external security threats. When an age verification system interacts with an adult site, it simply confirms whether a user is over 18—nothing more. The process mirrors standard verification procedures already in place for other age-restricted services.

We already take steps to protect minors from harmful substances like alcohol, tobacco, and gambling. Why should online pornography be any different? Ensuring the safety of our children online is not just a policy matter—it is a moral imperative. This issue transcends politics; it is about responsibility. Both Democrats and Republicans recognize the need for these protections and agree that children deserve safety.

This legislation is common sense, and Missouri can join the growing number of states taking decisive action to protect the next generation. My HB 236 was perfected on the House floor but has not yet been third-read and passed. The legislature must decide whether we take action to protect the next generation or stand by while children are exposed, exploited, and harmed. The choice is clear to me, and that is why I am fighting for HB 236.