Virginia Considers 10% Tax Under HB 720

By: Keith Witchka, Senior Editor | JRL CHARTS — Gay Adult News

RICHMOND, Va. — (February 6, 2026) — Virginia lawmakers are weighing new legislation that would impose a 10 percent tax on the gross revenue of adult websites operating within the Commonwealth, marking the latest in a growing wave of state-level efforts targeting the adult entertainment industry.

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House Bill 720, introduced by Delegate Eric Zehr, would establish a statewide tax on “any commercial entity operating an adult website” that generates revenue from sales, memberships, subscriptions, performances, or digital content deemed “harmful to minors” and produced, distributed, or based in Virginia.

Under the proposal, affected companies would be required to remit 10 percent of their gross receipts derived from adult content-related activities conducted in or connected to the state.

If enacted, HB 720 would place Virginia alongside several other states that have recently pursued similar measures, reflecting a broader national trend aimed at regulating and monetizing adult digital platforms.

Industry analysts note that the language contained in Virginia’s proposal closely mirrors a bill currently under consideration in Utah, which seeks to impose a comparable tax at a rate of 7 percent. Observers say the similarities suggest the emergence of coordinated legislative strategies that could be replicated in additional jurisdictions.

Alabama implemented a similar 10 percent tax in 2025, while lawmakers in Pennsylvania have publicly discussed introducing comparable legislation, citing revenue gains in states that have already enacted such measures.

The issue has also gained political traction in Florida, where a Republican gubernatorial candidate recently drew national attention by proposing a 50 percent “sin tax” on income earned by OnlyFans creators residing in the state.

Supporters of Virginia’s HB 720 argue that the measure would generate dedicated funding for public services. Revenue collected under the bill would be directed to the Commonwealth’s Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Trust Fund, which finances mental health, developmental disability, and substance abuse treatment programs.

That funding structure closely resembles provisions included in Utah’s pending legislation, reinforcing the view that states are increasingly linking adult industry taxation to public health initiatives.

Critics of such proposals, however, warn that excessive taxation could drive adult content producers and platforms to relocate operations, restructure payment systems, or restrict access in affected regions. Industry representatives have also expressed concerns that these policies may disproportionately impact independent creators and smaller digital businesses.

As HB 720 advances through committee review, adult industry stakeholders, digital rights advocates, and content platforms are expected to monitor developments closely, viewing Virginia’s decision as a potential bellwether for future regulatory efforts nationwide.

JRL CHARTS will continue tracking legislative developments affecting the gay adult and digital content industries as this proposal moves forward.