Utah Game Law Passes

Those hoping that Jack Thompson’s influence on video game legislation in Utah would dissipate like his legal career in Florida will be dismayed to hear that the ill he helped author has passed the Utah House of Representatives with an almost overwhelming vote of 70 - 2. The bill passed similarly through the Utah Senate with very little resistance.

The bill, sponsored by Utah Rep. Mike Morley, will have to be signed by the governor Jon Huntsman to become law and survive the inevitable legal challenge that the ESA will bring before the Utah courts.

The new law attempts to enforces stricter penalties on retailers who sell M-rated games and R-rated movies to “buyers subject to an age restriction or recommendation,” though how the state can enforce such a law is beyond my understanding.

thanks, Joystiq.

ESRB President Issues Open Letter to Utah

ESRB president Patricia Vance has written an open letter to Utah Lawmakers and parents in a last ditch effort to appeal to some common sense - as she sees it. The letter is response to a law that was drafted with the help of Jack Thompson, who has shifted seamlessly from game hating ambulance chaser to full fledged anti-gaming campaigner.

This probably marks the first time in many years that Thompson has successfully helped produce something that could affect consumers and game makers. The legislation fines retailers and movie theaters that knowingly provide M or R rated products to minors. Yes, we know that the language of the law is vague.. ESRB President Patricia Vance’s letter after can be found after the break:

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