HF 1298

1st Engrossment - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to crime prevention; prohibiting children
under the age of 17 from renting or purchasing certain
video games; providing penalties; proposing coding for
new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 609.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [609.6855] RESTRICTED VIDEO GAMES;
PROHIBITIONS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definition. new text end

new text begin As used in this section,
"restricted video game" means a video game rated AO or M by the
Entertainment Software Rating Board.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Prohibited acts; penalty. new text end

new text begin A person under the
age of 17 who knowingly rents or purchases a restricted video
game, the owner of a retail establishment who rents or sells a
restricted video game to a person under the age of 17, and an
employee responsible for the rental or sale of a restricted
video game to a person under the age of 17 are guilty of a petty
misdemeanor and are subject to a fine of not more than $25.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Posted sign required. new text end

new text begin A person or entity
engaged in the retail business of selling or renting video games
from a location or structure with access to the public shall
post a sign in a location that is clearly visible to consumers.
The sign must display the following language: "It is against
the law for a person under 17 to rent or purchase a video game
rated AO or M. Violators may be subject to a $25 penalty."
new text end