SENATE BILL NO. 368 Offered January 11, 2006 Prefiled January 11, 2006 A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 18.2-385.1, relating to displaying the rating of certain video games; penalty. ---------- Patron-- Marsh ---------- Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice ----------

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 18.2-385.1 as follows:

§ 18.2-385.1. Displaying the rating symbols of certain video games; penalty.

It shall be unlawful for any merchant to display openly to the public any video game that has been assigned a rating symbol by a national computer or video game industry organization indicating that the content of the game may be suitable only for persons age 17 or older, such as by the assignment of a symbol of M (Mature) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board, unless the rating symbol is clearly and prominently printed on or affixed to the video game's box or package.  A rating symbol shall be deemed to be clearly and prominently printed on or affixed to the front of the video game's box or package if it is a square with sides not less than three inches long, and with type stating that the video game may be suitable only for persons age 17 or older that is not smaller than twelve-point type. Persons violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.