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Bill Would Mandate ID Checks for Mature Videogames

Legislators are using the whirlwind surrounding GRAND THEFT AUTO IV to present a bill that would require ID checks for the purchase of mature-rated videogames, reports VARIETY. House representatives Lee Terry (R-Neb.) and Jim Matheson (D-Utah) presented the Video Games Ratings Enforcement Act on May 7th.

If past, photo ID would be needed to purchase games rated M for mature and AO for adults only. Additionally, videogame retailers would need to post rating system guidelines in their stores. Those found in violation with the new ordinance could be fined up to $5,000. Similar laws have been passed on the state level, but have all been struck down on appeal via First Amendment challenges. Terry stated that the difference between his bill and the rejected state laws is that his bill does not try to define decency standards, only enforce industry defined guidelines.

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