H.R. 5990 Video Games Ratings Enforcement Act introduced
H.R. 5990, the “Video Games Ratings Enforcement Act”, was recently introduced by Rep. Jim Matheson [D-UT]. The bill would do the following:
- Mandate for all video games the display of an age-based content rating determined by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB)
- Direct the Federal Trade Commission to require that all video game retailers display information about the ESRB rating system
- Prohibit the sale of ESRB-rated “Adults Only” games to minors
- Prohibit the sale of ESRB-rated “Mature” games to minors under 17 years of age
- Declares a violation of the any of above to be an “Unfair or Deceptive Act or Practice” and establishes a $5,000 civil fine for each violation
If you disagree with this legislation, and I’ll bet that most Pittco attendees would, please write to your Congressman, urging him or her to argue and vote against it. If you need inspiration for a letter, read the one which Colin Dean wrote to Congressman Altmire to urge him to vote against H.R. 5990.
