Minnesota Law Passed By Gov; ESA To File Suit (Fines Minors for buying M-rated games)

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http://www1.gamespot.com/news/6151588.html

An interesting change to the standard game law formula, though I doubt it'll fly any better than the others.

Rep. Jeff Johnson (R-Plymouth), one of the bill's authors, is reportedly focusing his efforts on controlling the sale and rental of games he says are full of "absolutely disgusting stuff."
Click to expand...

http://igo.ampednews.com/news/4327/

The bill was signed into law and the ESA will be filing suit.

[quote name='Doug Lowenstein']"The ESA is deeply disappointed by the actions of the Minnesota legislature and Governor Pawlenty. We believe that SF785 is unnecessary and will restrict the First Amendment rights of Minnesota's citizens. To enact 'feel good' bills knowing they're likely to be tossed by the courts is the very height of cynicism. The computer and video game industry intends to file suit in Minnesota federal district court shortly, asking that the state's new video game law be overturned."

"Six courts in five years, including the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals which governs Minnesota, have struck down similar laws, ruling that they were unconstitutional. This has resulted in legal costs of nearly one million dollars to the taxpayers of the states in which these bills were passed, and countless wasted hours spent by government officials attempting to defend the laws."

"...We hope that sooner or later state legislators and candidates will stop trying to seek headlines by subverting the constitution and frittering away desperately needed taxpayer dollars and instead enter into a constructive partnership to educate parents about the tools available so they, not government, can raise their kids as they see fit and buy the games that are right for their unique families..." [/QUOTE]
 
"prohibits anyone under the age of 17 from "knowingly renting or purchasing a restricted video game." "......sooooo how does that work?
 
Aren't they supposed to...ya know...not be able to get those in the first place? Do they fine kids for trying to get into R movies now or something too? Shouldn't the onus be on the distributor?
 
They do that aounrd here with cigaretes (well, kind of sort of). Basically what happens is if a school employee or officer sees you smoking ANYWHERE(even off campus) they can write you a $100 fine.
 
If they want to get serious about this, they should fine stores, theaters, and idiotic parents for letting their kids get into stuff they shouldn't.
 
Why is it the kids' fault? Of course they are going to desire things of this nature, it is the parents' responsibility to keep them in check.
 
[quote name='daroga']If they want to get serious about this, they should fine stores, theaters, and idiotic parents for letting their kids get into stuff they shouldn't.[/quote] Umm it's right here [quote name='Article']...It also "prohibits an owner of a retail establishment or an employee from renting or selling a restricted video game to a person under the age of 17." The maximum fine is $25...[/quote]
[quote name='SpazX']Aren't they supposed to...ya know...not be able to get those in the first place? Do they fine kids for trying to get into R movies now or something too? Shouldn't the onus be on the distributor?[/quote] Ideally, the onus should be on the consumer . Realisitcally, that won't fly. The more economical solution is to fine the retailer for not carding for those types of games. I for one am all for it as it's a relatively minor fine (Smokes to a minor is like a $500 fine in some states if I recall correctly), it financially ensures that it's being enforced and finally, the parents have NO ONE to blame but themselves. It's only up to the retailer to card the person PURCHASING the game, not the one playing it. Thus this will take the wind of of the argument that retailers are not doing enough. It's up to the one buying the product to be informed of it's contents.
 
I'm all for it maybe it will shut the jack thompsons of the world up for ten minutes. (shit I am probably going to get sued he sees everything!)
 
[quote name='jlarlee']I'm all for it maybe it will shut the jack thompsons of the world up for ten minutes. (shit I am probably going to get sued he sees everything!)[/QUOTE]

It seems like it's been awhile since we've heard from him. I thought we would see him at e3 throwing holy water on stage.
 
Not that I have any problem with keeping M rated games away from minors, but this law is unconstitutional. I wrote a research paper on this not too long back, and while researching, I found out SEVERAL states have already tried making a law like this, most of them focusing on fining the retailer. Every single law was struck down as unconstitutional before it was even passed. I doubt the governer will sign this bill....at least if he knows his stuff. If he does, it's just a matter of time until someone with some money fights it and wins. Well, someone with some money....nobody's gonna drain their savings for a $25 fine....
 
where are the kids getting the money, ohh and this should be for kids under 16, I think once that happens a kid can handle "absolutely disgusting stuff."
 
Great, i live in Minnesota. Not that it will affect me but still.


I always thought it was funny that we couldn't buy M rated games and go see r rated movies until we were 17. And the drinking age is 21, yet once we turn 18, we can be shipped off to fight a war in another country............
 
http://www1.gamespot.com/news/6151782.html

Gamespot interviewed the State Senator of Minnesota, who's trying to say that the fine is supposed to be educational and will help the parents. She also mentions that the legislators don't worry about the Constitution when they pass laws, that they let the court figure that out.

Also, about whether the retailer gets fined, as well as the kid, they don't get anything. It was in the bill early on, but wasn't part of the final bill that passed.
 
$25 maximum fine? Do they at least confiscate the game in question? Sounds like a sin tax (and a high one) for minors to play M games.
 
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