Metro East Sun

Senate Republicans have showcased their commitment to protecting children and supporting parental empowerment by highlighting two crucial bills. State Senator Erica Harriss (R-Glen Carbon) introduced Senate Bill 2590, known as the Adult Content Age Verification Act. This bill aims to mandate pornography websites to verify users' ages before granting access to explicit content.

In addressing the necessity of such legislation, Sen. Harriss emphasized the concerning impact of underage exposure to online pornography. She stated, "Leading health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, warn that consuming pornography as a minor can be associated with a variety of negative emotional, psychological, behavioral, and physical health outcomes." Sen. Harriss reiterated the significance of prioritizing children's well-being by implementing appropriate verification measures for websites catering to underage viewers.

Furthermore, the legislation proposed by Sen. Harriss outlines specific "reasonable age verification methods" that businesses must adhere to. This initiative underscores the Senate Republicans' proactive approach to safeguarding minors online.

Accompanying Senate Bill 2590 is Senate Bill 2772, introduced by State Senator Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia). This bill focuses on enhancing transparency in school curriculums to foster parental engagement in their children's education. Senator Anderson stressed the importance of parents being informed about the educational materials and curriculum taught in schools.

"Parents should know what their children are being taught in school so they can serve as an active participant in their child’s education," emphasized Senator Anderson. The legislation proposed by Sen. Anderson would require schools to provide comprehensive details about learning materials and curriculum on district websites, promoting transparency and parental involvement.

The Senate Republicans' dedication to enacting legislation that safeguards children and empowers parents was highlighted during a Capitol press conference on March 14. These bills reflect a concerted effort to address critical issues concerning children's well-being and parental involvement in education.