Missouri Republican Wants Violent Video Game Tax

[wraggster]

New submitter sHr0oMaN writes with news that Diane Franklin, a Republican member of Missouri's state House of Representatives, has proposed a sales tax on violent video games (http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/357166/3/Mo-lawmaker-wants-tax-on-violent-video-games). The proposal, HB0157I (http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills131/billpdf/intro/HB0157I.PDF), is one of many responses to the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. The proceeds from the tax would go toward mental health programs and law enforcement (http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/ingame/state-lawmaker-wants-tax-violent-video-games-1B7986403) in the hopes that future shootings can be prevented. The total amount taxed would be small — 1% — and would be applied to video games rated Teen, Mature, or Adult-only by the ESRB. Of course, many games earn the "Teen" rating without having violence in them, like Guitar Hero. The Entertainment Software Association responded to Rep. Franklin's bill with a statement: "Taxing First Amendment protected speech based on its content is not only wrong, but will end up costing Missouri taxpayers."

http://games.slashdot.org/story/13/01/16/0028250/missouri-republican-wants-violent-video-game-tax