The Oklahoma House of Representatives on Tuesday approved legislation restricting online access to pornography for people under the age of 18.

Senate Bill 1959, which is authored in the House by Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, holds commercial entities accountable for knowingly distributing obscene material or material promoting child pornography on the internet.

"Right now, pornography is easily accessible to kids of all ages through practically any device that has internet access," Hasenbeck said. "With Senate Bill 1959, we can close the current loopholes that grant children access to inappropriate materials."

It mandates that such entities must compensate individuals for damages and provide mechanisms for subscribers to block access to harmful content. Additionally, entities employing reasonable age verification methods are exempt from liability. SB1959 also allows the Attorney General to seek injunctions against non-compliant entities.

The measure is authored by Sen. Jerry Alvord, R-Wilson.

"This legislation is something I am very proud to have authored," Alvord said. "This bill has been carried by my colleague Rep. Toni Hasenbeck in the House. Her support and true concern for passing this child protection bill has been truly impressive. There have been many talented people working behind the scenes to make this happen."

The measure passed the House 79-13 and now moves to the governor's desk for consideration. If signed into law, SB1959 would take effect Nov. 1.