Violent video game bill thrown out
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 5:18 PM
A state of Oklahoma proposal to tax violent video games has been thrown out by a narrow margin of five to six.
The bill was sponsored by state representative William Fourkiller who wanted to impose a one per cent sales tax on games rated 'teen' or above by the Entertainment Software Rating Board, which would be used to tackle childhood obesity and bullying.
Such a measure would have lumped Skyrim (rated 'mature') and Modern Warfare 3 in with non-violent titles like Zumba Fitness 2 (rated 'teen') and Dance Central 2, Time magazine reports.
At a meeting of the House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Revenue and Taxation on February 20th, representative Pat Owenby challenged Mr Fourkiller on the idea.
"Why just video games? Why not French fries or rap music or movies?" he queried.
"We have to start somewhere. There's no magic bullet that will solve these issues, but I want to raise awareness of these two issues," replied Mr Fourkiller.