The following is a partial list of state legislation pertaining to censorship in the areas of music, print, movies, video, and performance that has been introduced or enacted since 1988. The status of pending bills was correct at press time.
Alabama
HB 447
Obscene material includes books, records, movies, videos, and
live performance. Persons disseminating publicly any obscene material
are guilty of a misdemeanor.
Sponsors: Reps. Higginbotham, Clark, Turnham, others
Status: Passed 1989
ALaska
HB 133
Obscene material includes books, records, movies, videos. Person
commits a crime if obscene material can be seen by minor.
Sponsors: Reps. Miller, Martin, Leman
Status: Introduced 2/1/89
Arizona
SB 1481
All recordings must show parental advisory sticker if lyrics
advocate or encourage various forms of sexual conduct or illegal use
of drugs or alcohol. If recording sold to minor, parents can demand
refund. Civil action can be brought against performers or producers
of recording if person is injured by act motivated by listening to a
recording.
Sponsors: Sens. Brewer, Corbet, Denny, others
Status: Introduced 1990
California
AB 1242, Ch. 1058
Prohibits sale or rental of harmful videos to minors; X-rated
videos must be in ''adults only'' room. Other harmful matter includes
books, movies, recordings.
Sponsor: Assemblyman Lempert
Status: Passed 9/29/89
Florida
HB 367
No sale of any recording to under-18s if lyrics advocate certain
forms of sexual conduct or illegal use of drugs or alcohol. Warning
sticker must be affixed to such recordings.
Sponsor: Rep. Arnall
Status: Introduced 12/7/89
HB 433
Restricts sale and display of books and recordings containing
material harmful to minors.
Sponsor: Rep. Logan
Status: Introduced 1990
Illinois
HB 1056
Amends Video Movie Sales and Rentals Act to require posting of
signs, for every 500 square feet of floor space, concerning harmful
effects of violent or sexual videos. Requires unrated or X-rated
videos to be shelved in separate area.
Sponsor: Rep. Giorgi
Status: Introduced 3/31/89
Iowa
HF 740
Expands existing obscenity law to prohibit sale or rental of
''patently offensive'' material.
Sponsors: Reps. Jay, McKinney, Trent, others
Status: Passed 1989
SF 2179
All recordings must show parental advisory sticker if lyrics
advocate or encourage various forms of sexual conduct or illegal use
of drugs or use of alcohol. If recording sold to minor, parents can
demand refund. Civil action can be brought against performers or
producers of recording if person is injured by act motivated by
listening to a recording. Promoters, performers, producers, or
directors prohibited from allowing minors at concerts at which
deviant lyrics or actions might be sung or performed.
Sponsor: Sen. Dieleman
Status: Introduced 1/30/90
