Florida Republicans Introduce Age Verification Legislation

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.―A Republican state lawmaker in Florida has introduced an age verification proposal targeting adult websites.  Rep. Chase Tramont, R-Port Orange, introduced House Bill (HB) 3 earlier this month. The bill requires the publishers of content deemed harmful to minors to use third-party age-check software services.  Despite constitutionality challenges in other states with similar laws, such as Texas, HB 3 "requires [a] commercial entity that publishes or distributes material harmful to minors on certain websites and applications to perform reasonable age verification, prevent certain access, and provide for reporting unauthorized or unlawful access; prohibits retention of certain personal identifying information." Tramont's listed occupation is "senior pastor." He is on the record supporting anti-LGBTQ legislation and threatening trans rights. If adopted by the state legislature, Florida's age verification mandate will enter force on July 1, 2024, after a governor's signature.