Honorable Helen Giddings, Chair, House Committee on Business & Industry
FROM:
John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1870 by Riddle (Relating to the rental or sale of adult video games; providing penalties.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill adds sections 35.121-123 to the Business & Commerce Code regulating the rental or sale of adult video games. The bill defines a video game as one that is used in a stand-alone arcade or with a gaming device on a television or a computer and requires the attorney general to develop a rating system (by not later than January 1, 2004), rate video games according to graphic violence or strong sexual content, and post a listing on the Office of the Attorney General’s Internet website. The bill restricts sales or rental of adult video games to adults, requires a business that sells, rents, or exchanges video games to make available for viewing a current list of its video game inventory rated by the attorney general, and specifies Class A and B misdemeanor offenses for failure to comply.The Act takes effect on September 1, 2003.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.