A Utah lawmaker proposed a bill this week that would enforce a tax on porn sites operating within the state, as age-verification laws continue to reshape the adult industry and spark debates about free speech online. State Senator Calvin Musselman, a Republican, introduced the bill, which would impose a 7 percent tax on total receipts from sales, distributions, memberships, subscriptions, performances, and content deemed harmful to minors. The tax would apply to material produced, sold, filmed, generated, or otherwise based in Utah.

If passed, the bill would take effect in May and require adult sites to pay a $500 annual fee to the State Tax Commission. According to the legislation, the revenue generated from the tax would be allocated to Utah's Department of Health and Human Services to bolster mental health support for teenagers. Musselman did not respond to requests for comment.

The move comes as a new wave of American conservatism influences the political landscape, with an increasing number of U.S. lawmakers advocating for stricter regulations on adult content. In September, Alabama became the first state to implement a porn tax on adult entertainment companies. The proposed tax in Utah highlights the ongoing tension between those seeking to regulate the adult industry and those who argue for its protection under free speech principles. The debate also raises questions about the potential economic impact on the adult entertainment industry and the effectiveness of using tax revenue to address social issues.