Arizona Governor Kate Hobbs on Friday vetoed HB 2133, known as the “Protect Act,” a bill that would have imposed new verification and consent requirements on adult content uploaded online.

The vetoed legislation, sponsored by Republican Rep. Nick Kupper, aimed to address nonconsensual intimate images, including those generated by AI, but also included provisions for adult websites to verify individuals depicted in sexual material were over 18 and had provided consent. These sites would have been required to maintain records of such verification for at least seven years.

Governor Hobbs Cites Free Speech Concerns

In her veto letter, Governor Hobbs stated that HB 2133 would have a “chilling effect” on free speech. She noted that Rep. Nick Kupper, the bill’s sponsor, had “stated in committee the legislation’s intent is to require the consent of an elected official before they are satirized on a show like South Park.”

Hobbs’ letter further asserted that Kupper “rebuffed her office’s efforts to protect victims without shielding politicians from criticism,” opting instead for “a partisan approach that attempts to make political satire illegal.” Episodes of “South Park” have previously included satirical scenes depicting President Trump naked in bed with Vice President Vance, and with Satan.

The Governor reassured the legislature that current state law already addresses AI-generated images used for revenge porn, and that the federal TAKE IT DOWN Act offers further protection for Arizonans against online victimization.

Legislative History and Industry Involvement

Rep. Kupper, who also authored Arizona’s age verification law, had amended HB 2133 to include language that exempted digitally manipulated material created for purposes such as parody, comedy, artistic expression, or “criticism of matters of public concern.”

While the age and consent provisions in the final version of the bill were generally considered standard within the adult industry, an earlier draft contained a contradictory provision. This initial language would have forbidden producers from retaining identifying information after model age verification was completed, creating a “catch-22” that would have made it impossible for adult sites to operate in Arizona. This provision was removed during the amendment process.

XBIZ reported in April that the Free Speech Coalition collaborated with Kupper on this and other substantive changes to the legislation.

Broader Context of Age Verification and Content Regulation

The veto of Arizona’s “Protect Act” comes amidst a global trend of increased scrutiny and regulation of online adult content. Other recent developments highlight this international focus:

  • Brazil: Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) is currently monitoring 18 high-traffic adult websites to ensure compliance with the country’s Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents (Digital ECA), which mandates age verification for users located in Brazil.
  • United Kingdom: U.K. media regulator Ofcom imposed a fine of 80,000 pounds (more than $100,000) against First Time Videos, operators of FTVGirls.com and FTVMilfs.com, for failing to implement age checks required by the Online Safety Act.
  • European Union: The European Union’s Court of Justice ruled that France may require pornographic websites based in other EU states to implement age verification in accordance with French law, provided France adheres to EU electronic commerce rules.

Governor Hobbs has a history of extensive vetoes. In 2026, she has rejected 63 bills as of May 26. She previously set a record by vetoing 216 bills in her first two years in office, surpassing the previous career mark held by Democratic Governor Janet Napolitano. In the last session, Hobbs vetoed 174 bills, a single-session record, bringing her three-year total to 390 rejected bills.

Key Facts

  • Arizona Governor Kate Hobbs vetoed HB 2133, the “Protect Act,” on Friday, June 20, 2026.
  • The bill would have mandated “reasonable” verification methods for adult sites to confirm individuals depicted were over 18 and had provided consent, with records maintained for seven years.
  • Governor Hobbs cited a “chilling effect” on free speech as a reason for the veto, referencing comments from bill sponsor Rep. Nick Kupper regarding political satire.
  • Current state law and the federal TAKE IT DOWN Act already address AI-generated images for revenge porn.
  • The Free Speech Coalition worked with Rep. Kupper on amendments to the bill, including the removal of a “catch-22” provision that would have hindered adult site operations.
  • Governor Hobbs has vetoed 63 bills in 2026 and holds records for the most vetoes in her first two years and in a single session.