Bill Would Allow Communities to Ban Violent Video Games
Legislation allowing communities to ban the sale of excessively violent video games to children has been introduced in the Assembly.
The bill would create a Video Game Rating Administration (VGRA), similar to the motion picture rating system, and allow community leaders to rate and regulate the sale and rental of video games.
A tax of 25 cents per game cartridge and $100 per arcade video game would be imposed to cover rating administrative costs. Any surplus funds would go to public libraries.
“Excessively violent, interactive video games contribute to the desensitization of our children to violent behavior,” said Assemblywoman Diane Martinez (D-Rosemead), author of measure (AB 135X).
ASSEMBLY
Floor Action
* Gang, Drug Crimes: Passed and sent to the Senate on a 42-25 vote a bill (AB 2538) by Assemblyman Willard Murray Jr. (D-Paramount) authorizing a Los Angeles County three-year anti-gang and drug crimes task force pilot project to be financed by local law enforcement agencies.
Committee Action
* Worker Safety: The Labor Committee approved a bill (AB 3713) by Assemblywoman Martha Escutia (D-Huntington Park) requiring all employees and prospective employees to be given information about their rights and protections under state law in easy-to-read language. A 6-4 vote sent the bill to the Ways and Means Committee.
* Gun Penalties: The Public Safety Committee approved a bill (AB 3499) by Assemblyman Jack O’Connell (D-Carpinteria) mandating that minors convicted of illegally carrying concealable weapons lose their driver’s licenses until age 18 and requiring them to complete 100 hours of public service, in addition to other court-ordered punishment. A 6-1 vote sent the bill to the Ways and Means Committee.
* Absentee Voters: The Elections Committee approved a bill (AB 2446) by Assemblyman Debra Bowen (D-Marina del Rey) allowing any registered voter to obtain permanent absentee voter status. A 4-2 vote sent the bill to the Ways and Means Committee.
SENATE
Floor Action
* Rape: Passed and sent to the Assembly on a 33-0 vote a bill (SB 1351) by Sen. Milton Marks (D-San Francisco) stipulating that asking a person to use a condom or other birth control device does not constitute consent for sexual intercourse.
* State College Campus: Granted final legislative approval on a 27-0 vote to a resolution (AJR 16) by Assemblyman Rusty Areias (D-San Jose) requesting the President and Congress to appropriate $100 million to convert a portion of Ft. Ord military base in Monterey County into a state college campus.
Committee Action
* Air Pollution: The Transportation Committee approved a bill (SB 1403) by Sen. John Lewis (R-Orange) prohibiting the South Coast Air Quality Management District from using local governmental regulations to impose ride-sharing or trip-reduction measures on employers. A 9-0 vote sent the bill to the Senate floor.
