New York bill could make selling violent video games to minors a crime

The state of New York may become the first to make it illegal to sell violent video games to minors.

A bill was recently debated in New York state that, if passed, could make selling violent video games to minors a Class E felony.

Although the session ended last Thursday (June 21, 2007) without a resolution, lawmakers have agreed in principle on the measure and the bill is expected to become law when the session reconvenes next month.

The bill is a compromise between two separate bills proposed by both Democrats and Republicans. Leaders were able to hammer out an agreement requiring, among other things, retailers to strictly adhere to the rating system and for console manufactures to include parental control devices.

Right on the heels of the suspension of the release Manhunt 2 by Take-Two, if this bill goes into law, game retailers in New York could face some serious jail time should they be found in violation. Under the federal Three Strikes rule (18 U.S.C. § 3559(c)), three felony convictions may come with a life sentence.

It should be noted that, in New York, there is currently not a law that prohibits the selling of violent films to minors.

Read [Yahoo! News] Also Read [Gamertell]