July 9, 2026
For Immediate Release
Missouri Deals Big Blow to Big Porn
New bill requires age verification on adult websites
Washington, D.C. – Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has taken a huge leap toward protecting the safety and innocence of children online through the passage of a HB 1839 which requires age verification on adult websites, protecting them from harmful sexual material. The bill also authorizes enforcement by the Missouri Attorney General involving the imposition of civil penalties for non-compliant websites.
The American Principles Project advocated for this bill, submitting written testimony to the state legislature when it was first introduced. This victory is a long time in coming.
APP’s Terry Schilling released the following statement:
“Missiouri Gov. Kehoe signed vital age verification legislation into law today, becoming the 27th state to place these common-sense, pro-family protections on the books. This marks a significant victory for parents who have long demanded stronger safeguards to prevent children from accessing harmful explicit material online. The American Principles Project will not stop working until children in all 50 states are protected and will continue pressing Congress to pass a national age verification law.”
To schedule an interview with Terry Schilling, please reach out to media@americanprinciplesproject.org.
About the American Principles Project
The American Principles Project is a national pro-family organization dedicated to making the family the most powerful, respected, and well-represented voice in Washington, D.C. Founded in 2009, APP fights in the political arena to defend life, childhood innocence, and American values.
For more information, visit americanprinciplesproject.org.
Media Contact: Josiah Davidson
Media Associate, American Principles Project
media@americanprinciplesproject.org
