Utah governor ‘will carefully consider’ signing bill to block porn on phones sold in state

Utah’s Republican governor said he would assess signing a bill that would block pornography on phones sold in the state. 

A spokesperson for Gov. Spencer Cox (R) told the Associated Press on Tuesday that it would be among the measures he would consider signing after the bill passed the legislature this month. Cox has until March 25 to put his signature on the legislation.

“This bill establishes filter requirements and enforcement mechanisms for tablets and smart phones activated in the state on or after January 1 of the year following the year this bill takes effect,” the bill’s text states. 

However, even if the governor approves the bill, five other states would have to pass similar legislation before the bill takes effect.

The fight against pornography has been a sticking point in Utah for years.

In 2016, former Republican Gov. Gary Herbert wanted to send $50,000 in taxpayer dollars to a group against pornography. 

The legislation says there could be a civil penalty for a manufacturer if they do not abide by this law ranging from $10 to $500. Half of the money from the fine would go to the state’s Crime Victim Reparations Fund. 

“A child that wants to find it and tries to would probably be able to still. It’s just one step in the right direction,” Republican state Rep. Susan Pulsipher, who supports the bill, said, according to the Associated Press.

Those against the bill are arguing that it is an infringement of freedom of speech and government overreach.

The Hill has reached out to Cox’s office for comment.