9.91.180 - Violent video or computer games. - Washington Statutes

Violent video or computer games.

(1) A person who sells, rents, or permits to be sold or rented, any video or computer game they know to be a violent video or computer game to any minor has committed a class 1 civil infraction as provided in RCW 7.80.120.

     (2) "Minor" means a person under seventeen years of age.

     (3) "Person" means a retailer engaged in the business of selling or renting video or computer games including any individual, partnership, corporation, or association who is subject to the tax on retailers under RCW 82.04.250.

     (4) "Violent video or computer game" means a video or computer game that contains realistic or photographic-like depictions of aggressive conflict in which the player kills, injures, or otherwise causes physical harm to a human form in the game who is depicted, by dress or other recognizable symbols, as a public law enforcement officer.

[2003 c 365 § 2.]

Notes: Findings -- 2003 c 365: "The legislature finds that there has been an increase in studies showing a correlation between exposure to violent video and computer games and various forms of hostile and antisocial behavior. The entertainment software industry's ratings and content descriptors of video and computer games reflect that some video and computer games are suitable only for adults due to graphic depictions of sex and/or violence. Furthermore, some video and computer games focus on violence specifically against public law enforcement officers such as police and firefighters. The legislature encourages retailers and parents to utilize the rating system.

     In addition, the legislature finds there is a compelling interest to curb hostile and antisocial behavior in Washington's youth and to foster respect for public law enforcement officers." [2003 c 365 § 1.]