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Bill

A 4874

Prohibits the sale of mature and violent video games to minors

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Erik Dilan

Bill A 4874 prohibits selling mature or violent video games to minors, requiring retailers to verify ages, aiming to protect youth from harmful content.

REFERRED TO CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND PROTECTION
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Bill Summary · A 4874

Summary of Bill A 4874

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: A 4874
  • Title: Prohibits the Sale of Mature and Violent Video Games to Minors
  • Status: Referred to Consumer Affairs and Protection
  • Introduced: February 06, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 4874 aims to restrict the sale of video games classified as "mature" or containing violent content to individuals under the age of 18. The primary intent of this legislation is to protect minors from exposure to potentially harmful content that may negatively influence their behavior and development.

Key Provisions

  • Prohibition on Sales: The bill explicitly prohibits retailers from selling or renting video games rated "M" (Mature) or "AO" (Adults Only) to minors.
  • Enforcement Mechanism: Retailers will be required to implement age verification measures to ensure compliance with the law. This may include checking identification before completing a sale.
  • Penalties for Non-Compliance: The bill outlines potential penalties for retailers who violate the prohibition, which may include fines or other disciplinary actions.

Affected Parties

  • Retailers: Video game retailers and rental services will be directly impacted by the new regulations, as they will need to adjust their sales practices and implement age verification systems.
  • Minors: The legislation is designed to protect minors from accessing content deemed inappropriate for their age group.
  • Parents and Guardians: The bill may provide parents and guardians with greater assurance regarding the content their children are exposed to in video games.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of February 06, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection for further consideration.
  • Related Legislation: This bill is part of a broader legislative effort, with several related bills from prior sessions (A 3766, A 2663, A 504, etc.) indicating ongoing discussions about the regulation of video game sales to minors. Additionally, there is a companion bill, S 6828, which may address similar issues in the Senate.

Conclusion

Bill A 4874 represents a significant step towards regulating the sale of video games to minors, reflecting growing concerns about the impact of violent and mature content on youth. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its implications for retailers, minors, and families will be closely monitored.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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