Rep. Stevens files bill in North Carolina House to regulate online pornographic content

A new bill filed by State Rep. Sarah Stevens in the North Carolina House seeks to impose regulations on online publication of pornographic images to protect women and minors, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 805 on April 7 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Prevent Sexual Exploitation/Women and Minors.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill aims to prevent sexual exploitation of women and minors by imposing strict regulations on the distribution and publication of pornographic images online. It mandates online entity operators to verify the age and consent of individuals depicted in such images before publishing. Consent must be explicit for both the act of sexual activity and distribution of images, with provisions to withdraw consent at any time. The bill requires operators to establish procedures for removing non-consensual images within 72 hours of a request, with civil penalties for non-compliance or delayed action. Violations may result in civil actions, allowing eligible persons to seek damages. The Attorney General has authority to enforce compliance and issue penalties, with fines reaching up to $10,000 per day for violations. The bill is effective Dec. 1, 2025.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Neal Jackson proposed the most bills (37) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Stevens graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1981 with a BS and again in 1986 from Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law with a JD.

Stevens, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2009 to represent the state’s 90th House district, replacing previous state representative Jim Harrell.