From the Office of Utah Congressman Jim Matheson

MATHESON NEWS
Second Congressional District

For Further Information
Alyson Heyrend: (801) 455-5593 (cell)
www.house.gov/matheson

June 14, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Matheson Touts Protections for Kids in Video Games Legislation

Lobbies at Hearing on Violent and Explicit Games

Washington DC-Congressman Jim Matheson today participated in a House subcommittee hearing on violent and explicit video games, outlining his bipartisan legislation to enforce the age-appropriate ratings assigned to the popular pastime. He attended the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection hearing.

Matheson has introduced HR 5345 - The Video Games Ratings Enforcement Act-with Arizona Republican Congressman Rick Renzi.

"I believe that parents should be the first line of defense when it comes to children.  However, parents can't be everywhere with their kids. What good are ratings if they are not enforced? We don't sell adult products such as tobacco and alcohol to children, why should we turn a blind eye to stores selling adult-oriented entertainment to them?" Matheson asked.

Matheson cited a Federal Trade Commission report that found that 69% of unaccompanied children aged 13 to 16 years old successfully purchased M-rated video games.  The "M" rating is supposed to be for ages 17 and older.  Five of the top 20 video games are rated "M", according to the electronic game industry.

Matheson said his bill does not impose a government-devised ratings system.  It simply requires retailers to enforce the ratings devised by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), as well as post explanations of those ratings in the store.

"If a parent chooses to purchase a game for their child and they are fine with the content, then that is the parent's right.  Marketers and game manufacturers, however, do not have the right to sell to kids just because kids are willing to buy the products," said Matheson.

Matheson said the legislation requires Federal Trade Commission enforcement, including fines for violations.

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Alyson Heyrend
Communications Director
240 East Morris Ave. #235
South Salt Lake, UT 84115
(801) 486-1236 (phone)
(801) 455-5593 (cell)
(801) 486-1417 (fax)