State officials say a new South Dakota law requiring age verification for adult-oriented website is taking effect thanks to a recent U.S. Supreme Court Ruling.
House Bill 1053 requires pornography and other adult sites to prove they’re 18 or older.
Opponents of the bill, including the ACLU, argued it was unconstitutional based on First Amendment and privacy rights.
Attorney General Marty Jackley said last week's Supreme Court ruling upholding a similar law in Texas reinforces the legality of the South Dakota law.
“The United States Supreme Court Decision is a major victory for families and the ability of states to protect children from the damaging effects of online pornography,” said Jackley. “The decision supports the protections enacted by the South Dakota Legislature to protect South Dakota families in HB 1053.”
The bill was among nearly 200 new laws that took effect Tuesday.