Bill Would Require Porn Sites to Institute Age Verification

On Tuesday Sen. Tyler Dees (R – Siloam Springs) filed S.B. 66 requiring pornographic websites to implement an age verification process to protect children from pornography.

The measure is similar to a Louisiana law that has caused major porn websites to start verifying that users are over the age of 18.

S.B. 66 requires pornographic websites to verify users are 18 or older using a government-issued ID or a commercially available method to check a person’s age.

In practice, this means pornographic websites would rely on IDs like state driver’s licenses or some sort of third-party software to prevent minors from accessing pornographic material online.

Technology has given children unprecedented access to pornography. Among other things, pornography is believed to contribute to mental health problems.

We need to take steps to protect kids from pornography and other harmful material.

Read S.B. 66 Here.

Proposal Would Provide Income Tax Credit for Baby Supplies

Above: Sen. Hammer presents legislation in this file photo from 2021.

On Tuesday Rep. DeAnn Vaught (R – Horatio) and Sen. Kim Hammer (R – Benton) filed H.B. 1148 providing an income tax credit for purchasing certain baby supplies.

Under H.B. 1148, Arkansans would receive an income tax credit of up to $1,000 for money spent on diapers, baby formula, baby wipes, and prepackaged baby food.

Now that abortion is prohibited in Arkansas except to save the life of the mother, Arkansans need to look for ways to assist women and families.

Measures like H.B. 1148 could alleviate taxes for parents with small children and help families who are struggling.

You can read H.B. 1148 here.

Bill Filed Addressing Privacy in School Locker Rooms, Restrooms

On Tuesday Rep. Mary Bentley (R – Perryville) and Sen. Dan Sullivan (R – Jonesboro) filed H.B. 1156 addressing privacy in public school locker rooms, showers, restrooms, changing areas, and similar facilities.

The bill requires public schools to designate these facilities for “male” or “female” use.

In the past federal officials and others have tried to force public schools to let students use whatever locker room or restroom they want regardless of their biological sex. In some cases, this has threatened students’ privacy and physical safety.

That is why Family Council has said for years that Arkansas needs to pass legislation that will protect the privacy and safety of children in public school showers, locker rooms, and restrooms.

You can read H.B. 1156 here.