Utah game bill passes House

Most gaming bills in recent years have gone about controlling minors' access to objectionable content in the same simple way: They tried to make it illegal to sell violent, sexually explicit, or M-rated games to kids. However, a bill created with the help of disbarred attorney Jack Thompson tackles the issue from an entirely new direction, and today it took one step closer to becoming law.

As reported by Game Politics, the Utah House of Representatives today voted overwhelmingly in favor of H.B. 353, 70-2 (with three members absent or not voting). Sponsored by Rep. Mike Morley, the bill would amend 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. If the store doesn't claim to obey ratings guidelines, then the law offers no punishment.

Violators would be opening themselves up to lawsuits, which could entitle plaintiffs to damages or $2,000, whichever is deemed 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 products for which the store pledges to adhere to an age recommendation.

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. If approved there, it will go before the governor to be signed into law.