STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – A bill introduced by State Representative Nick Kupper to prevent minors from accessing online pornography passed the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. HB2112 requires commercial pornography websites to verify users’ ages before granting access, bringing Arizona in line with a growing number of states implementing similar protections.

Republican committee members supported the measure while all Democrats voted against it.

“As a father of four, I take seriously the responsibility to protect kids from harmful material online,” said Representative Kupper. “Right now, children can access explicit content with nothing more than the click of a button. That’s unacceptable. HB2112 puts common-sense guardrails in place, ensuring that pornography sites verify age before allowing access, just as we require for alcohol, tobacco, and other adult materials.”

Under HB2112, websites where more than one-third of the content is pornographic must use age verification systems to confirm that users are 18 or older. The bill allows verification through a digital ID or other commercial methods that do not store or transmit personal user data. A recent amendment to the bill enhances privacy protections, explicitly barring verification providers from retaining any identifying information.

The measure also gives parents the ability to take legal action against websites that fail to block minors, holding companies accountable if they knowingly allow children to access pornography.

“Parents should not have to fight this battle alone,” Representative Kupper said. “We know that easy access to this material harms children’s development and fuels exploitation. HB2112 sets a clear standard: If you’re making money off this content, you have a responsibility to ensure kids can’t get to it.”

Eleven other states have already passed similar laws, and the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed the Texas version to remain in effect while it considers legal challenges.

HB2112 now moves to the Rules Committee for further review before heading to the full House for consideration.

Nick Kupper is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 25 which includes portions of Maricopa, Yuma, and La Paz Counties. He also serves as Vice Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee. Follow him on X at @ kupper4arizona.