Okla. Age Verification Bill Sent to Governor, Poised to Be Signed

OKLAHOMA CITY—Oklahoma lawmakers have officially advanced an age verification proposal targeting adult entertainment websites to the Republican governor's desk, according to legislature information. Senate Bill (SB) 1959, first proposed by Republican state Sen. Jerry Alvord of the rural community of Wilson, was carried in the House of Representatives by state Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, a Republican of Elgin. House lawmakers voted Tuesday to advance the bill, 79-13. Earlier in the session, the Senate passed the bill, 41-5. Now, the bill goes to the desk of Gov. Kevin Stitt, who is poised to sign and implement the legislation. SB 1959 requires "reasonable" age verification measures to be implemented by adult entertainment platforms with users originating from Oklahoma-based IP addresses. Penalties for violators include civil action and fines. Perhaps as some relief to adult industry stakeholders, SB 1959 advanced rather than a measure that was proposed earlier this year that would have banned pornography in the entire state of Oklahoma.