Tax – 1) a sum of money demanded by a government for its support or for specific facilities or services, levied upon incomes, property, sales, etc.

2) a burdensome charge, obligation, duty, or demand.

The Louisiana House has passed a bill proposing a 15 cent/month “usage fee” on Internet access for all users except public schools and libraries. The bill is currently in the Senate, and would be effective as of 2010 if passed.

The money would fund the fight against all Internet crimes, such as fraud, though child pornography covered most of the discussion in the House.

Representative Simone Champagne (D-Jeanerette) argues, "I don't think that 15 cents per month is too much to ask for our children's protection.” Opponents say the bill uses children as a cover to impose an illegal tax.

The Internet Tax Freedom Act Amendment Acts of 2007, signed by Bush, prohibits any state or local tax on the Internet, unless grandfathered in by previous taxes. The bill attempts to circumvent this by imposing a 15 cent “fee,” rather than tax.

Governor Jindal opposes the bill. The tax is not predicted to have a significant influence on adult websites.