Eight other states have passed similar measures, and seven have been declared unconstitutional, according to Wednesday's testimony. A Louisiana measure, which is the closest in wording to Utah's proposed bill, has been preliminarily enjoined as a challenge of the law works its way through the federal courts there.

Wyatt, an attorney, said he believes the Utah measure could withstand a court challenge.

"My impression is, the bill is drafted extremely conservatively and has a fair chance of being constitutional," said Wyatt, adding he will pull the bill if additional research indicates otherwise.

Committee members expressed concern about knowingly putting the state in an expensive and lengthy court battle.

"I certainly applaud the efforts and the sentiment to protect our kids, I think that is absolutely valid and an honorable goal," said Sen. Scott McCoy, D-Salt Lake City, who is also an attorney. "But I think it is incumbent on us to at least acknowledge that there are some high legal hurdles that stand in our way. ... Is this the way that we want to spend taxpayers' money?"

Six lawmakers voted against the measure, which was not enough to stop it from moving forward to another committee hearing in the upcoming legislative session.

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