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The Govenator signs Common Sense Video Game Bill into Law

by: John -
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Conan himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger, signed into law a bill restricting the sale and rental of ultra-violent video games to minors.  Arnold joins governors in Illinois and Michigan in putting through this law.
Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs Common Sense Video Game Bill Into Law

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 7, 2005--California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Friday joined a growing movement of parents and legislators across the nation by signing into law a bill restricting the sale and rental of ultra-violent video games to minors. California AB 1179, which was authored by Assembly Speaker pro Tem Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/Daly City) and supported by Common Sense Media, will go into effect on January 1, 2006.

"We applaud Governor Schwarzenegger for signing this landmark legislation," said James Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Media. "Even though he's a major figure in the entertainment industry, he's a father first. In that role, the Governor understands that ultra-violent and sexually violent media content is harmful to kids' development."

In signing the bill, Schwarzenegger joined governors Rod Blagojevich of Illinois and Jennifer Granholm of Michigan, who recently signed similar legislation in their states, in addressing the serious public health threat posed by minors' use of violent video games. Studies have consistently found that minors who play such games are likely to become desensitized to violence, less empathetic toward others, and more aggressive.

Common Sense Media worked closely with leading constitutional scholars on the drafting of AB 1179, and is currently working with legislators from across the country to support bills like the one passed in California. Lawmakers in seven other states and the District of Columbia are considering similar bills that would keep violent games away from children.

"Graphic and sexually-charged media violence needs to be seen for what it is -- a threat as dangerous to our kids as tobacco use or underage drinking," Steyer said. "At Common Sense, we believe in sanity, not censorship. And it is eminently sane to change the way violent games are marketed and sold to kids. It's only common sense to keep our kids safe from the proven effects of video violence."

Common Sense Media is the leading unaffiliated, non-profit organization dedicated to improving kids' media lives. Common Sense provides trustworthy, easy to use information about kids' media -- including detailed reviews and ratings on-line, news and research, media literacy tools, and parenting tips -- enabling parents and educators to make informed decisions about the media their children consume.