"Today I signed legislation to ensure parent involvement in determining which video games are appropriate for their children," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "The bill I signed will require that violent video games be clearly labeled and not be sold to children under 18 years old. Many of these games are made for adults and choosing games that are appropriate for kids should be a decision made by their parents."
AB 1179 prohibits the sale or rental of violent video games to anyone under the age of 18 and requires a label to be affixed to all games falling into this category. This legislation also imposes a fine of up to $1,000 on anyone who sells or rents violent video games to minors.
In signing the bill, Schwarzenegger joined governors Rod Blagojevich of Illinois and Jennifer Granholm of Michigan, who recently signed similar legislation in their states.
The bill, which was authored by Assembly Speaker pro Tem Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/Daly City), will go into effect on January 1, 2006.
