Porn companies were told to ID Louisiana residents. This bill would fine those that don’t

Last year, Louisiana required adult film companies to verify the age of users browsing pornography websites. A bill this year would let the state penalize the companies that run afoul of that law.

Rep. Laurie Schlegel, who passed a bill requiring porn companies to enact age verification last year, filed HB 77, which would give the attorney general powers to investigate and fine companies that have not done so. The state would fine the companies $5,000 per day.

The House Commerce Committee passed the bill last week, sending it to the full House for a vote.

Schlegel said some porn websites are already complying with her law, which went into effect in January and which allows people to sue those that aren’t complying. She said her bill is aimed at bringing the rest into compliance.

“This is hardcore pornography,” said Schlegel, a Metairie Republican. “This is not your dad’s playboy.”

Supporting the bill is LA Wallet, a company that offers digital verification services. Lobbyists for the company put in “green cards” indicating the company supports the bill. LA Wallet has said it received a boost in business because some porn sites use LA Wallet to verify users’ ages.

Critics have complained that the new law raises privacy issues and constitutional questions around what content people can access.

Melissa Flournoy, a former state senator who founded the advocacy group 10,000 Women Louisiana, said the bill could lead to problematic content moderation.

“Is this bill part of a larger strategy to promote censorship?” she said.