February 2024

People in Kansas would have to verify their age before accessing adult content on the internet under a bill being considered by state lawmakers.Websites that host sexual content would have to verify their users are at least 18, most likely through third-party services that verify age using government IDs or other personal information.Supporters of the bill say it would prevent minors from accessing pornographic content that could potentially be harmful to their psychological development and views on sex.“Not only does pornography harm children’s well-being – there is also a strong correlation between pornography, human trafficking and sexual abuse,” said Joseph Kohm, director of public policy for the Colorado-based Family Policy Alliance.But critics say bills like the one being considered in Kansas could violate internet users’ free speech and privacy rights.Under the bill, websites or third parties that access personal information for age verification would be prohibited from using that information for other purposes.

Prairie View has been awarded more than $66,000 in grant funds for a rental assistance program.The mental health provider will be able to fund housing assistance for those who earn less than 50 percent of median income, with a target population of those who struggle with mental illness.