HB 5972 Summary

• Creates licensing requirement for adult entertainment businesses under new Article 14B, effective 90 days after enactment, with penalties up to $10,000 and 6 months imprisonment for unlicensed operation.

• Establishes 9-member Adult Entertainment Business Board consisting of 6 industry owners/managers and 3 public representatives, with board member terms commencing July 1.

• Requires applicants and licensees to provide detailed personal information including full names, aliases, addresses, Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and photographs; department maintains confidential database submitted to FBI and DOJ for background checks.

• Prohibits minors under 18 from premises, unclothed patrons, and specified sexual activities on licensed premises, with fines of $1,000 for first offense and $5,000 for subsequent violations.

• Mandates annual department reporting to legislature on licensed adult entertainment businesses, fees collected, and violations investigated.