On the same day the President announced he wants to study violent video games because he feels there is not enough evidence linking real world violence to violent media. The State of Missouri feels it knows more than the President or anybody else that has studied the issue and has proposed a 1% sales tax on violent video games, which have either a “T” or “M” rating. Representative Diane Franklin, a Republican from Missouri has proposed a “sin” tax on any violent video game that has Teen, Mature, or Adult rating from Entertainment Software Rating Board.
The bill is so ridiculous that it will not make exceptions for Teen rated games that are non violent. So if the game you are buying has sexual references and drug use instead of violence, it will still be taxed. The money raised from the tax would go to mental health treatment, but not just any mental health treatment. The money will go to treat mental health issues that are caused by violent video games according to the bill.
So Representative Franklin does not seem concerned with things like studies and facts when it comes to violent video games effect on children. Representative Franklin has already concluded violent video games are a cause of real world violence.
The Entertainment Software Association came out strongly against this bill and brought up the unconstitutional nature of the bill. The ESA came out and stated: ”Taxing First Amendment protected speech based on its content is not only wrong, but will end up costing Missouri taxpayers”.
The ESA has filed lawsuits in the past against bills like this one, but this current bill still needs to be passed. Hopefully it will not, or it might cost Missouri taxpayers a lawsuit as well as a 1% tax increase.
Source: Game Industry International
