NC H534

Creates the Pornography Age Verification Enforcement Act (PAVE Act) requiring commercial entities to implement reasonable age verification methods for websites containing a substantial portion (more than 33.3%) of material harmful to minors.

Authorizes the Attorney General to investigate violations and initiate civil actions in Wake County Superior Court, with a mandatory 30-day compliance period before enforcement action.

Establishes civil penalties of up to $5,000 per day of violation, plus an additional penalty up to $10,000 per violation for entities knowingly failing to perform age verification.

Exempts news-gathering organizations, bona fide news broadcasts, and internet service providers from liability for merely providing access or connection to content they do not create.

Becomes effective January 1, 2024, and applies to websites accessed on or after that date.