Yesterday, the often contested Assembly Bill 1179 successfully passed through the California legislature. The controversial bill passed through the house with a vote of 65 to 7.
The bipartisan effort now hinges on the approval of Governor Schwarzenegger. After the expected signature from Schwarzenegger, the house bill will ban the sale of “violent” videogames to minors.
The bill headed up by California Assemblyman Leland Yee calls for a fine of $1,000 for any retail location which would brake the proposed legislation.
“Unlike movies where you passively watch violence, in a video game, you are the active participant and making decisions on who to stab, maim, burn or kill,” said Assemblyman Yee. “As a result, these games serve as learning tools that have a dramatic impact on our children.”
In addition, House Bill 1179 calls for violent games to be clearly labeled as such. As of now, it is still unkown as to how game titles will be labeled if the bill is approved.
Governor Schwarzenegger now has thirty days to sign the legislation for it to become California law or veto the proposed ban.
Members of the gaming industry are currently contesting the decision by the California Assembly citing existing ESRB measures as sufficient. The industry feels that the current “M” rating is enough to prevent under age children from purchasing violent games.
Stick with The Advanced Media Network for continued coverage of this developing story.
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