House approves bill narrowing "material harmful to minors" for interactive media

Lawmakers approved a first substitute to House Bill 257 to expand the code's definition of material harmful to minors to include certain violent interactive electronic games and to target intentional distribution to minors, sponsors said.

Representative Hogue, the sponsor, opened floor debate by citing research and high-profile incidents to argue the bill protects children. He said the bill "identifies in the code what things are violent and what things will be harmful to minors" and framed the measure as narrowly drafted to survive constitutional review.

Members questioned enforcement and scope: Representative Romero asked whether the statute still carries a 14-day incarceration provision; the sponsor confirmed the criminal penalty structure applies as in related statutes. Representative Biskupski asked who the statute would hold accountable — producers, sellers or parents — and the sponsor said the code targets those who "intentionally and knowingly" distribute harmful material to youth.

Supporters noted attorney-general input and comparisons to U.S. Supreme Court standards, arguing the bill uses the established "patently offensive" test and excludes material with serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value. Representative Hogue said conversations with the attorney general suggested the measure likely would withstand constitutional challenge.

The House passed the first substitute by roll call: 56 yes, 8 no, 11 absent. The bill will move to further consideration in the legislative process.