One Senator says Missouri is too "porn friendly."
Andrea Ramey has more from the state Capitol.
Republican Senator Matt Bartle sponsored a bill that would put a tax on sexually oriented businesses.
Bartle says his constituents are tired of being innundated with porn.
"Travelers in our state are being sent a signal that Missouri is a porn friendly state. That we are...through our relatively weak regulations, that we are porn central in the United States."
The bill's revenue would go towards public schools.
Republican Representative Bob Johnson says this is not as pressing an issue as Bartle portrays it.
From the state Capitol, I'm Andrea Ramey.
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One lawmaker says there are bigger issues to tackle this legislative session than taxing porn shops.
Andrea Ramey has more from the state Capitol.
Representative Bob Johnson spoke out against Senator Matt Bartle's proposed bill that would tax each patron of sex shops 5 dollars for entering the facility.
Johnson says not a single one of his constituents has voiced concern over porn.
"I'm sorry, I was elected to deal with real issues facing this state, funding of the public schools, tort reform, worker's comp reform, campaign finance reform, affordable pharmaceuticals. This isn't a major issue."
Johnson says the true objective of the bill is not to raise revenue, but to eliminate the industry altogether.
Manager of Venus Adult Store Wayne Howery says he also sees this as an attempt to shut their business down. From the state Capitol, I'm Andrea Ramey.
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One senator says the Show-Me-State is showing too much.
Andrea Ramey has more from the state Capitol.
Republican Senator Matt Bartle sponsored a bill that would charge sex shops 5 dollars per patron.
Bartle says he hopes the bill will slow the growth of the adult entertainment industry and generate revenue for schools.
"All over the state of Missouri, sexually oriented businesses have popped up like mushrooms after a cool rain. In gaudy metal buildings with loud signs, they have taken over our roadways."
Republican Representative Bob Johnson says the real objective of the bill is not to generate revenue but to eliminate the adult entertainment industry.
Johnson also says there are more important issues to address this session.
From the state Capitol, I'm Andrea Ramey.