By: Journalist Stephanie Conchas (ORU)
In a testament to the spirit of resilience, Sen. Finley (OU) expressed pride and determination following the defeat of her Senate Bill No. OU-006, the “Age Verification for Adult Content Uploaders” act, during the 1st Session of the 56th Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature.
The bill, which aimed to implement stringent age verification measures for adult content uploaders, failed to secure the majority needed to pass. Despite the outcome, Sen. Finley remains steadfast in her commitment to addressing the important issue of protecting minors from exploitation.
The bill proposed requiring websites distributing adult content to adopt robust age verification systems, ensuring individuals uploading such material were at least 18. It also outlined significant penalties for non-compliance, including steep fines and potential criminal charges for website operators who fail to implement or enforce these measures. Although well-structured and ambitious, the bill faced challenges during discussions and frequently diverged from its core purpose, leaving delegates uncertain about the specifics of its implementation.
Sen. Finley said she is proud of the work she put into the bill.
“This is just the beginning,” Finley said. “I plan to refine the language and structure to ensure clarity and focus in future sessions.”
She emphasized that her objective remains safeguarding minors and holding content distributors accountable.
“The central purpose of this legislation should not be overshadowed by misunderstandings or tangential debates,” she said.
Looking ahead, Sen. Finley said she is committed to addressing the feedback received from her peers. By eliminating ambiguity and sharpening the focus of her proposal, she intends to present a revised version that resonates more effectively with the legislative body.
Although the bill failed in its initial presentation, it served as a catalyst for an important dialogue about online safety and accountability. Sen. Finley’s resolve demonstrates the importance of persistence in the legislative process and the ability to learn and adapt for the greater good.