A new Texas law meant to crack down on AI-generated content is already causing confusion among anime fans, with some fearing it could lead to certain series being restricted or even banned.
Senate Bill 20, authored by Sen. Pete Flores, was signed into law earlier this year and officially took effect on September 1. The bill makes it a felony to possess or promote “obscene visual material” that appears to depict minors, whether through real photos, AI-generated images, or animated works like cartoons and anime.
Back in March, Dexerto reported on the bill’s passage through the state Senate, noting that it could put shows such as Persona, Kill la Kill, Bleach, and Monogatari under scrutiny. The law’s vague definition of what counts as “obscene” left open the possibility that many popular series could be interpreted as violations.
Cosplay contestants at the San Japan anime convention in TexasAnime fans and store owners react to Texas law
The law’s rollout coincided with San Japan, a major anime and gaming convention in San Antonio, where fans expressed concerns about how broadly SB20 might be applied. Some attendees told Texas Public Radio they worried that anime’s frequent depiction of youthful characters in suggestive situations could be caught in the law’s crossfire, even if the intent isn’t criminal.
The impact was felt on the show floor. Visual novel publisher JAST USA and its manga imprint J18 Publishing were banned from the convention after the first day, with organizers citing content deemed “too provocative” under Texas’ new legal climate. Outside of the event, Kaboom Comics manager Andrew Balderas said he had already pulled early Dragon Ball manga volumes from shelves, citing comedic scenes with Goku and Bulma that he feared could attract unwanted attention under SB20.
Analysts warn this is a prime example of unintended consequences. Dr. Jon Taylor of UT San Antonio explained that the law’s vague wording could allow local prosecutors to go after any animated content they consider inappropriate. International critics, including former Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly member Zenko Kurishita, have also condemned the law, while U.S. groups like the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund say they are preparing to challenge its enforcement.
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For now, how SB20 will actually be applied remains uncertain. But its effect on conventions, publishers, and retailers suggests the law may already be reshaping the anime landscape in Texas.