Call for a resolution takes place of video-games bill

Rep. Scott Wyatt, R-Logan, will not pursue his bill that would make it a felony to expose minors to violent or adult-themed video games.

Wyatt is instead sponsoring a resolution that would ask Attorney General Mark Shurtleff to support other states that are embroiled in legal battles involving video-game restrictions and file "friend of the court" briefs on their behalf.

If HJR15 passes, a copy of the resolution would be sent to every member of Utah's congressional delegation and to attorneys general in the other 49 states.

It calls for the attorneys general to join in defense of the video-game laws. Wyatt's original HB50 encountered some friction in the House Public Utilities and Technology Committee.

Committee members expressed concern that appeals courts have not upheld similar bans in other states.

Even Wyatt admitted that passing the video-game law would likely have cost Utah money. States defending similar statutes have shelled out as much as $500,000 for legal bills.

Wyatt said that the resolution is going to take HB50's place. "It will allow us to weigh in on this issue in the courts," he said.

Rep. Kay McIff, R-Richfield, suggested the resolution during Thursday's committee meeting.

Shurtleff is behind the resolution. He had previously expressed concerned that HB50 would be difficult to defend.

"I think it's a good compromise," Shurtleff said.

The resolution is now in the hands of the House Rules Committee, which will assign it to a standing committee for a public hearing.