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House passes bill creating optional ISP filters and attorney general 'adult content' registry
Summary
The Utah House passed the second substitute of House Bill 260, a package directing research, a public-education campaign and optional Internet-filtering tools for consumers and ISPs and establishing an attorney general–managed adult-content registry; debate focused on First Amendment and implementation costs.
Representative Dougal, the bill sponsor, told the Utah House that second substitute House Bill 260 is a "multi-pronged attack to deal with material harmful to minors," combining a research study, public education, provider ratings and optional ISP blocking tools. He said the bill would create both a basic filtering option and an "adult content registry" managed by the attorney general to help consumers block harmful material.
The measure's supporters repeatedly framed it as a consumer-choice approach. "This is an option for them to choose," Representative Dougal said, emphasizing that filters would be opt-in and that "the people that create this content are still free to create this content." Representative Dayton said the substitute "helps families to better understand and be protected," calling its educational and choice components valuable.
Opponents and questioners pressed on constitutionality, technical feasibility and costs. Representative Litback asked whether the substitute addresses First Amendment concerns; Representative Eckhart and others raised the dormant commerce clause and whether the state can regulate Internet content. Representative Christiansen, who said she lacked the technical background, asked what government would do that the private sector cannot, and whether a government-maintained registry — which one lawmaker called a "hall of sleaze" — is realistic. Representative Dougal replied that the bill focuses on options for parents and a publicly available list that private filters and software could ingest.
Lawmakers also questioned compliance costs for small ISPs. Representative King reported that a small Eastern Utah provider already offers a filter for $2; the sponsor noted exemptions in the bill allowing small providers to charge a fee. Representative Skupksy and others urged caution about burdens on businesses that lack the scale of companies such as AOL.
After floor amendments and a motion to substitute, the House adopted the second substitute and later passed the measure. The final vote on the second substitute was 71 yes, 0 no; the bill will be sent to the Senate for consideration. Representative Dougal also moved and the House adopted intent language directing the division of consumer protection to report to the Utah Technology Commission during the interim on proposed rules and established standards for age-determination and distribution offenses under Section 76-10-12 (language in the bill).
