Protect Minors from Sexual or Pornographic Content

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Carlos Barron and 1 co-sponsor

The bill would prohibit exposing minors to pornographic materials or sexually explicit performances, with penalties up to two years in jail and possible business license revocation

House Committee on State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Postpone Indefinitely

HB 25-1231: Protect Minors from Sexual or Pornographic Content — Summary

Overview

Introduced: February 11, 2025

Primary Sponsor: Rep. Keltie; Co-sponsor: Rep. Barron

Committee: House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs

Status: Postponed Indefinitely by the committee on February 24, 2025

Purpose: Repeal and reenact Colorado law concerning sexually explicit materials harmful to children, with updated definitions, exceptions, penalties, and enforcement provisions intended to safeguard minors from exposure to sexual content.

What the bill would do

Prohibitions

Prohibits an individual, organization, or entity from:
Permitting a minor to attend events, performances, or activities that explicitly involve sexual content or pornographic materials.
Exposing a minor to pornographic materials in any form (digital, print, or broadcast).

Exceptions

Allows:
Educational materials or school programs explicitly designed for age-appropriate sex education in line with local and federal regulations.
Parental or guardian discussions about sexual health and development appropriate to the minor’s maturity level.

Penalties

First violation: Unclassified misdemeanor with a fine of up to $10,000.
Second or subsequent violation: Up to two years in jail.
License consequence: If the violator operates a business establishment that knowingly permits exposure, the business license may be revoked.

Enforcement and reporting

Enforcement by local law enforcement agencies and designated child protection authorities.
Allows anonymous reporting of violations to local law enforcement or child welfare hotlines.

Definitions (as introduced)

Minor: under 18
Pornographic materials: explicit content depicting sexual activity, nudity, or other explicit themes
Public setting: venues/events accessible to the general public
Sex education: programs on anatomy, sexuality, STDs, pregnancy, and prevention

Effective date and applicability

Takes effect 90 days after the General Assembly adjourns sine die.
Applies to offenses committed on or after that date.
If a referendum petition is filed, the act would take effect only if approved by voters in the 2026 general election.

Fiscal and administrative notes (as disclosed)

State and local fiscal impact: Minimal ongoing effects projected; no new appropriations required.

Revenue: Potential increases in fines/court fees and possible changes in probation-related fees; impacts subject to TABOR.

Expenditures: Expected to be minimal; no significant change in appropriations.

Enforcement and workload: Potentially minor increases for judicial and child welfare systems; offsets possible through reduced probation costs for the new misdemeanor structure.

These notes reflect introduced and later final analyses, and note that the bill’s postponement means the described impacts would not take effect unless the bill advances.

Who would be affected

Minors (under 18) and their families

Businesses and organizations that host events or operate establishments where minors may be exposed to sexual content (e.g., venues, theatres, museums, libraries, schools, and related institutions)

Local law enforcement, child protection authorities, district attorneys, and the Department of Human Services

Educational institutions and school programs, including sex education initiatives

Parents/guardians who engage in discussions about sexual health with their children

Current status and next steps

The bill was postponed indefinitely in February 2025 and is not currently moving toward enactment. If revived, it would proceed through the normal legislative process, including potential amendments and committee consideration.