Ark. Code Ann. § 4-88-1302: Legislative findings and intent

(a) The General Assembly finds that: (1) Pornography is creating a public health crisis and is a corroding influence on minors; (2) Due to advances in technology, the widespread availability of the internet, and limited age verification requirements, minors are exposed to pornography at too early of an age; (3) Pornography contributes to the hyper-sexualization of minors; and (4) Pornography may: (A) Lead to: (i) Low self-esteem; (ii) Body image disorders; (iii) An increase in problematic sexual activity at younger ages; (iv) Increased desire among minors to engage in risky sexual behavior; and (v) Difficulty in forming or maintaining positive, intimate relationships; (B) Impact brain development and function; (C) Contribute to emotional and medical illnesses; (D) Shape deviant sexual arousal; and (E) Promote problematic or harmful sexual behaviors and addiction. (b) It is the intent of the General Assembly to provide a civil remedy for damages against commercial entities that distribute material harmful to minors. Added by Act 2023, No. 612,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.

(a) The General Assembly finds that: (1) Pornography is creating a public health crisis and is a corroding influence on minors; (2) Due to advances in technology, the widespread availability of the internet, and limited age verification requirements, minors are exposed to pornography at too early of an age; (3) Pornography contributes to the hyper-sexualization of minors; and (4) Pornography may: (A) Lead to: (i) Low self-esteem; (ii) Body image disorders; (iii) An increase in problematic sexual activity at younger ages; (iv) Increased desire among minors to engage in risky sexual behavior; and (v) Difficulty in forming or maintaining positive, intimate relationships; (B) Impact brain development and function; (C) Contribute to emotional and medical illnesses; (D) Shape deviant sexual arousal; and (E) Promote problematic or harmful sexual behaviors and addiction.

(1) Pornography is creating a public health crisis and is a corroding influence on minors;

(2) Due to advances in technology, the widespread availability of the internet, and limited age verification requirements, minors are exposed to pornography at too early of an age;

(3) Pornography contributes to the hyper-sexualization of minors; and

(4) Pornography may: (A) Lead to: (i) Low self-esteem; (ii) Body image disorders; (iii) An increase in problematic sexual activity at younger ages; (iv) Increased desire among minors to engage in risky sexual behavior; and (v) Difficulty in forming or maintaining positive, intimate relationships; (B) Impact brain development and function; (C) Contribute to emotional and medical illnesses; (D) Shape deviant sexual arousal; and (E) Promote problematic or harmful sexual behaviors and addiction.

(A) Lead to: (i) Low self-esteem; (ii) Body image disorders; (iii) An increase in problematic sexual activity at younger ages; (iv) Increased desire among minors to engage in risky sexual behavior; and (v) Difficulty in forming or maintaining positive, intimate relationships;

(i) Low self-esteem;

(ii) Body image disorders;

(iii) An increase in problematic sexual activity at younger ages;

(iv) Increased desire among minors to engage in risky sexual behavior; and

(v) Difficulty in forming or maintaining positive, intimate relationships;

(B) Impact brain development and function;

(C) Contribute to emotional and medical illnesses;

(D) Shape deviant sexual arousal; and

(E) Promote problematic or harmful sexual behaviors and addiction.

(b) It is the intent of the General Assembly to provide a civil remedy for damages against commercial entities that distribute material harmful to minors.