SB 628 West Virginia Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Prohibiting online distribution of pornographic material to minors

SB 628 requires commercial websites distributing material harmful to minors (defined as pornographic content appealing to minors' prurient interests and lacking serious value) to verify users are 18+ using age-verification tools. It directly affects websites hosting such content by mandating age checks before access, with violations triggering civil liability for damages and legal fees. The bill excludes liability for internet service providers (e.g., hosting platforms) and focuses on content distributors. This policy change aims to prevent minors from accessing prohibited material online through mandatory age verification.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 27, 2026 Last action Jan 27, 2026
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
0
Committee
2
Jan 27, 2026
Committee
To Judiciary
upper
Jan 27, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
Jan 26, 2026
Committee
To Judiciary
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Mike Azinger
Mike Azinger
RRepublican
WV
3