Indiana may join the growing list of states nationwide to outlaw the selling of Mature-rated video games to minors if a legislator in the state has anything to say about it. State Senator Vi Simpson, a former gubernatorial candidate, introduced a law in the upcoming session of the Indiana General Assembly that would prevent stores from selling or renting Mature-labeled content to people 17 and younger.
“We’re not setting ages or changing the ratings, we are asking retail agencies to enforce it,â€? she said Friday. “Right now, kids can walk into just about any store and get their hands on a video game in which they can shoot police officers, use drugs, steal cars, rape women or even assassinate a president. That’s frightening to say the least,â€? Simpson said in a Thursday news release.
If the law passes, Indiana would join California and two of its Midwestern neighbors, Illinois and Michigan, in outlawing Mature-rated game sales or rentals to minors. The bill is modeled after the laws on the books in other states. Earlier in the month, Indiana Senator Evan Bayh introduced federal legislation with Senator Joe Lieberman and Senator Hillary Clinton. The federal legislation would subject on-site managers to a fine of $1,000 or 100 hours of community service for the first offense; $5,000 or 500 hours of community service for each subsequent offense.
