HB4412

Require certain websites to utilize age verification methods to prevent minors from accessing content

Complete·3/14/26

West Virginia HB4412 mandates age verification for websites with substantial sexually explicit content to protect minors.

West Virginia HB4412 requires websites and applications with more than one-third sexually explicit content to implement age verification methods. Commercial entities must use government-issued identification or transactional data to confirm users are 18 or older. The bill prohibits retaining personal information post-verification and imposes penalties for violations, including fines up to $250,000. It also allows individuals to sue for damages, including attorney fees and $10,000 per violation. The Office of Technology is authorized to create rules for compliance.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Sponsors

0
4
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Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

33 Yea

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0 Nay

1 Absent

D

Calendar

Mar 4

12:00 AM

Senate Judiciary Committee Meeting

Feb 6

9:00 AM

House Committee on the Judiciary Meeting

History

Apr 1

House

Approved by Governor 4/1/2026

Mar 25

House

To Governor 3/25/2026

Mar 14

House

House received Senate message