An Arizona Bill Could Restrict Uploading Satirical Content of Politicians. The Governor’s Office Is Eyeing It.

A bill with bipartisan support could give Arizona politicians broad control over how people post adult content online, and Gov. Katie Hobbs’ office has quietly contacted lobbyists about it, which they said signals an interest in signing the measure.

HB2133, which passed out of the house with a supermajority vote, would require anyone who uploads adult content — whether real, illustrated, or AI-generated — to obtain consent from every person depicted. Its sponsor, Rep. Nick Kupper (R-Surprise) frames the legislation as a measure to combat revenge porn and child sexual abuse material. But lawmakers, civil liberties advocates, and technology experts warn the law’s broad language would sweep in streaming platforms, social media services, and ordinary users, potentially censoring legal speech.

Despite those warnings, insiders say Hobbs’ office has contacted lobbyists to get the bill in shape to go to her desk. A spokesperson for the governor, Christian Slater, disputed that characterization:

“Your sources are wrong,” he said. “The governor hasn't taken a position internally or otherwise. As the governor's office does with any piece of legislation, we are engaging stakeholders and legislators on HB2133.”

But two local lobbyists who spoke with LOOKOUT said the Hobbs administration has in the past only reached out when there is intent to sign a bill. Hobbs has been staunch in her support of signing bipartisan legislation, which this measure has, with a supermajority vote in favor in the House. Slater would not comment further on Hobbs’ intentions regarding the bill.

"The House voted this bill out with a supermajority," said Marilyn Rodriguez, a partner at the progressive lobbying firm Creosote Partners. "I think the Governor will sign it."

If the bill passes and is signed, lawmakers in opposition said it could have wide-ranging consequences for major streaming platforms, potentially sparking costly court battles.

“This isn’t just about adult content websites,” said Sen. Analise Ortiz (D-Phoenix). “Any TV show or movie with a PG-13 or R rating will have to think about this.”

In a Senate committee hearing debating the bill, Ortiz asked if even a satirical clip — such as a South Park scene depicting President Donald Trump and Satan having sex — could be considered a violation, forcing users or platforms to secure consent from public figures or risk legal action.

Kupper responded that the bill would require users to get Trump’s consent before posting.

Technology and civil liberties experts said that admission is a bright red flag.

Kate Ruane, director of the Center for Democracy and Technology’s Free Expression Project, said the bill’s definition of “synthetic” content — any visual depiction altered or created using AI or digital technology — is vague and could encompass parody, satire, or public-interest citizen reporting.

“That introduces a whole new host of issues that will create a gigantic burden for speech that is happening on a lot of very big platforms that allow sexual content,” Ruane said, referencing websites such as Reddit, BlueSky, and X. “It will be up to the whims of political actors to determine what content is covered by sexual content that is harmful to minors.”

Platforms could face pressure to preemptively remove content or block Arizona users entirely, which happened last year when Hobbs signed a bill that required age verification for websites that show adult sexual content.

“What we're dealing with here is the potential for significant jawboning, essentially, on the part of motivated politicians who wish to erase certain speech from the internet,” Ruane said. “What you could get is just gigantic blocking of content.”

HB2133 would require platforms to verify consent for every individual depicted, creating a significant compliance burden. One state lobbyist, who asked not to be named, gave an example: If a user posted art, such as nude photos taken by Robert Mapplethorpe or Andy Warhol, the bill would require consent from the models. 

The bill also puts companies in compliance with federal law in a catch-22: Adult content websites in the U.S. already maintain records under federal law, but Kupper’s bill would force those companies to destroy documentation and potentially violate federal regulations. 

Kupper’s office did not respond to an email requesting comment on the bill and possible amendments. But Mike Stabile, director of public policy at the Free Speech Coalition, which represents the adult entertainment industry, said during a committee hearing that he was working with Kupper on amendments to align the bill with federal record-keeping laws.

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But most concerning for free speech advocates is how HB2133’s language mirrors elements of Project 2025's Mandate for Leadership, a Heritage Foundation framework that calls for broad regulation of online sexual content.

Ortiz said the bill represents “authoritarian overreach” and a misuse of the guise of child protection. “This has nothing to do with protecting kids, and we need to get serious about real policies that will actually keep our kids safe,” she said. “This bill is not it.”