(Indianapolis, IN) - A bill written by a local lawmaker that would protect children online is heading to the governor for him to consider signing it.

Senate Enrolled Act 17 would require websites that publish pornographic content to use reasonable age verification methods, including a mobile credential, an independent third-party age verification service, and any commercially reasonable method that relies on public or private transactional data.

"We have an obligation to protect children from harmful content on the internet," said the author of the bill, State Senator Mike Bohacek, a Republican from Michiana Shores.

"Putting restrictions on pornographic content online would prevent children from accessing it easily, but still allow adults to access it with proper age verification," he said.

Bohacek said if minors access these websites because the website does not take the required steps to verify age, a lawsuit seeking damages from the provider or injunctive relief can be sought by the Indiana Attorney General.

"Indiana has the opportunity to set an example for other states to protect children all over the country, and I am pleased to have championed this bill as it moved through the legislature," he said.