Thompson bill advances in Utah

Florida attorney Jack Thompson has been disbarred, but the anti-game-violence activist isn't letting that keep him from fighting for his cause. Thompson's latest attempt to curb kids' access to violent games--an update to Utah's Truth in Advertising Act that would impact retailers who sell games, movies, and other media that bear age recommendations--is making strides in the state legislature.

As reported by Game Politics, the Utah House of Representatives' Business and Labor Committee has approved H.B. 353, a bill sponsored by Rep. Mike Morley and created with the assistance of Thompson. By a vote of 10-3, the committee approved the bill, which amends the state's Truth in Advertising Act to punish businesses who sell age-rated media to audiences outside of the recommended age groups, but only if they do so against stated policies.

Violators would be opening themselves up to lawsuits, which could not only prevent the continuation of practices found to be deceptive, but also entitle plaintiffs to damages or $2,000, whichever is greater. The way the bill is written, it would apply not just to M for Mature games, but also to those rated T for Teen, as well as movies, TV shows, toys, and any other product for which the store pledges to adhere to an age recommendation.

The next step for the bill is consideration by the entire Utah House of Representatives.