Harmful Material to Minors

The House Committee on Children and Families convened Tuesday morning to discuss HB 236, sponsored by Representative Sherri Gallick (R-Belton). The bill requires commercial websites with more than 33 1/3% of material that is deemed harmful to children, to verify that those accessing the site are 18 years of age or older. Additionally, the bill imposes a civil penalty for damages if a minor is harmed. The sponsor stated a House Committee Substitute will be offered which adds a clause applying the provisions of the bill to sites which contain over 33% of pornography content and adds a privacy clause. Supporting testimony was presented by a Jefferson County Councilwoman who stated the pandemic gave children a new level of access to the internet and safeguards were failed to be maintained by both parents, schools and online providers. Additional supporting testimony was provided by a chaplain, Missouri Children’s Trust Fund, Exodus Road, a pediatric nurse, private citizens and a state public advocate. No opposing testimony was presented to the committee.