Relating to: warning labels for explicit content, creating an explicit content label warning surcharge, making an appropriation, and providing a penalty. (FE)
AB 961 requires distributors of explicit content (such as publishers and digital platforms) to display specific warning labels on all adult-oriented material. For print publications, labels must appear on the cover in 20-point bold Arial font; for digital content, labels must appear before access, remain visible for 10 seconds, and occupy two-thirds of the screen. The labels must include standardized language warning: "WARNING: This material contains explicit content that may be harmful or offensive. Viewer discretion is advised. Not intended for minors." Violations incur fines, with 50% of fines funding a state appropriation via a surcharge.
Bill status
passed
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Feb 2026
Assembly Passage
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 29, 2026
Last action Mar 23, 2026
Floor votes · Assembly Feb 19, 2026
How they voted
60–34
Passed
Total votes 94
Feb 19, 2026
D
Democratic41
82% Nay
R
Republican53
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
30
Key actions
4
Committee
3
Amendments
8
Mar 23, 2026
Amended
Failed to concur in pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
upper
Feb 19, 2026
Lower · Passed
Read a third time and passed, Ayes 61, Noes 34
lower
Feb 19, 2026
Lower · Passed
Assembly Substitute Amendment 3 adopted
lower
Feb 19, 2026
Introduced
Assembly Substitute Amendment 3 offered by Representative Goeben
lower
Feb 18, 2026
Introduced
Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 offered by Representative Goeben
lower
Feb 18, 2026
Introduced
Assembly Amendment 3 offered by Representative Goeben
lower
Feb 12, 2026
Introduced
Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 offered by Representative Goeben
lower
Feb 11, 2026
Committee
Referred to committee on Rules
lower
Feb 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Report passage as amended recommended by Committee on Children and Families, Ayes 7, Noes 2
lower
Feb 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Report Assembly Amendment 1 adoption recommended by Committee on Children and Families, Ayes 9, Noes 0
lower
Feb 11, 2026
Introduced
Assembly Amendment 2 offered by Representative Billings
lower
Feb 10, 2026
Introduced
Assembly Amendment 1 offered by Representative Goeben
lower
Jan 29, 2026
Introduced
Introduced by Representatives Goeben, Brill, Dittrich, Billings, Sinicki, O'Connor, Kreibich, Piwowarczyk, Behnke, Udell, Armstrong, Fitzgerald, Emerson, Murphy, Knodl and Stubbs;
cosponsored by Senators Jacque and Wall
lower
16 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Barbara Dittrich
RRepublican
P
Christine Sinicki
DDemocratic
P
Dan Knodl
RRepublican
P
Dave Armstrong
RRepublican
P
Dave Murphy
RRepublican
P
Elijah Behnke
RRepublican
P
Jerry O'Connor
RRepublican
P
Jill Billings
DDemocratic
P
Jim Piwowarczyk
RRepublican
P
Joan Fitzgerald
DDemocratic
P
Jodi Emerson
DDemocratic
P
Joy Goeben
RRepublican
P
Lindee Brill
RRepublican
P
Randy Udell
DDemocratic
P
Rob Kreibich
RRepublican
P
Shelia Stubbs
DDemocratic
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