New Arizona bill to require pornography age verification

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - A new bill approved by the Arizona House of Representatives would limit pornography access online.

Arizona State Representative Nick Kupper introduced a bill requiring pornography websites to verify a user's age.

"We haven't been on the ball enough to protect them from the dangers of pornography," said Rep. Kupper.

These sites would have to use first or third-party verification systems that cannot store your data.

"Whether it's a third party age verification, or if the pornography site themselves has a first party process for verifying age, they cannot store the data at all, and if they're caught storing even a single piece of data, it's a $10,000 fine per instance which they’re caught," said Rep. Kupper.

This bill is based off of a similar one in Texas.

Rep. Kupper shares why he's so passionate about the legislation.

"When it comes to protecting, we have to protect children. You know, children are our most vulnerable population; our most precious population. Find a way to do both things, to protect the children without violating adult's inherit rights, and I think that's what this bill has done," said Kupper.

Winter visitor Bob Pickett agrees with the bill.

"I think it’s a good idea. I mean, if you're under 18, like I said, I don't condone it anyway at any age, but if that's what it's going to be, then yeah, definitely 18," said Pickett.

The bill passed in a 44-15 vote in the House. It will now go to the Senate for voting within the next few weeks.