By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
A new Alabama law has gone into effect, imposing a 10% tax on pornographic websites, with revenue directed toward expanding mental health services across the state.
The measure, part of the Materials Harmful to Minors Act, also requires adult websites to verify users’ ages and post warnings about the potential harms of pornography. The law’s sponsor, Rep. Ben Robbins (R-Sylacauga), said the goal is to offset what he described as the damaging effects of children’s exposure to explicit material.
“It affects the development of a child when they are exposed and repeatedly exposed to violent and gratuitous pornography,” Robbins said. “Males become more violent as adults, females have higher rates of anxiety and depression, and it distorts healthy relationships.”
The 10% “sin tax” took effect September 1, 2025, and applies to sales, memberships, subscriptions, and performances hosted or accessed in Alabama. The first payments are due October 20, according to the Alabama Department of Revenue, which will direct proceeds to the Department of Mental Health for prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
Robbins said the funding will help address Alabama’s ongoing mental health crisis.
“These companies need to pay a sin tax to offset the damage they cause,” Robbins said. “We’ll use that money to support mental health services.”
Several major adult websites, including Pornhub, have since blocked access to Alabama users rather than comply with the verification law.
The Supreme Court upheld a similar Texas law earlier this year, paving the way for other states, including Alabama, to enforce similar regulations on online adult content.