A Utah lawmaker proposed a bill this week that would impose a tax on porn sites operating within the state, reigniting debates about free speech and the regulation of the adult entertainment industry. State Senator Calvin Musselman, a Republican, introduced the bill, which seeks to levy a 7 percent tax on total receipts from various adult content-related activities. These include sales, distributions, memberships, subscriptions, performances, and content deemed harmful to minors that is produced, sold, filmed, generated, or otherwise based in Utah.
If enacted in May, the bill would also 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 proposal arrives as age-verification laws continue to reshape the adult industry and spark discussions about online free speech. A new wave of American conservatism has seen more U.S. lawmakers advocating for increased restrictions on adult content. In September, Alabama became the first state to require age verification for accessing adult websites.
The adult entertainment industry, a multi-billion dollar global market, has faced increasing scrutiny and regulation in recent years. Proponents of such measures argue that they protect children from harmful content and address potential negative impacts on mental health. Critics, however, contend that these laws infringe on free speech rights and could potentially harm the industry by driving it underground or making it more difficult for performers to operate legally and safely.
The bill's future remains uncertain as it moves through the Utah legislature. Its passage could set a precedent for other states considering similar measures, potentially leading to a significant shift in how the adult entertainment industry is regulated and taxed across the country.
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