Bill > SF704

This bill establishes the Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Prevention Act, which introduces comprehensive measures to combat online sexual exploitation and protect minors. The legislation requires retailers selling Internet-enabled devices to equip them with default content filters that block websites facilitating human trafficking, prostitution, child pornography, and obscene materials harmful to minors. Consumers can deactivate these filters by verifying their age (18 or older), paying a $20 fee, and acknowledging potential risks. The bill creates a special grant account funded by filter deactivation fees and a $5 admission fee for adult entertainment establishments, with money allocated to support various programs addressing sexual violence, victim assistance, child protection, and community decency initiatives. Retailers who fail to comply with the filtering requirements can face civil penalties and fines, with enforcement managed by the attorney general or county attorneys. The bill's implementation is contingent upon similar legislation being adopted by four other states, demonstrating a collaborative approach to addressing these complex social issues. Notably, the legislative findings emphasize the shift of sex trafficking to digital platforms and the need to curb online exploitation through technological and regulatory interventions.

Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0704&ssn=0&y=2025