Stanislaus News

Assemblymember Juan Alanis announced today that his bill, AB 3080 – Age Verification for Pornographic Websites, has passed a full vote in the California State Assembly. "This proposal is first and foremost about protecting children," said Assemblymember Alanis. "We know there are serious negative effects on young people who are exposed to this type of material, who regularly consume it, and who become addicted to it at far too young of an age."

In his speech prior to the vote, Alanis highlighted the societal consequences of early child exposure to explicit content. AB 3080 would require websites to use proven age-verification technology to confirm user legality. Seventeen other states have already passed similar laws, and nineteen more are considering legislation.

The internet is filled with easily accessible explicit material regardless of user age. AB 3080 builds upon existing law, also known as the Parent’s Accountability and Child Protection Act, which has long been used to protect children from harm.

When faced with concerns over privacy and free speech, Alanis referred to a recent Supreme Court decision denying an emergency stay against a broader Texas age-verification law upheld by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.

"I understand that California is different from other states," added Alanis. "I believe California requires its own approach which upholds our values and diversity." He promised colleagues he would continue working on the bill to ensure protections for the LGBTQ+ community and address further privacy concerns.

AB 3080 passed both the Assembly Committees on Privacy and Consumer Protection as well as Judiciary unanimously. Alanis pledged to continue working with opposition groups in good faith towards crafting a final piece of legislation suitable for California.

"We will be holding serious working meetings with them as soon as next week," said Alanis. "However, doing nothing on this issue and allowing the status quo to continue is unacceptable."

Following today's floor vote, Alanis stated he does not intend to harm the adult entertainment industry or its workers. His primary aim is to protect children, as evidenced by his larger legislative package and nearly three decades as a Sheriff’s deputy.

AB 3080 now heads to the State Senate where it awaits referral to a committee for consideration. Alanis has promised to amend the bill further in the Senate and bring it back to the Assembly for a final vote on a completed measure.

Assemblymember Juan Alanis represents the 22nd Assembly District, which includes communities such as Modesto, Turlock, Ceres, Denair, Patterson, Gustine, Newman, Hilmar, Ballico, Snelling, Keyes, Grayson, Crows Landing, Diablo Grande, Stevinson & Empire.