Resolution on video-game violence advances

A resolution expressing concern about video game violence passed out of the House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee on Tuesday.

HJR15, sponsored by Rep. Scott Wyatt, R-Logan, takes the place of his HB50, which would have made it a felony to expose minors to ultra-violent or adult video games.

HB50 was abandoned over concerns it couldn't pass constitutional muster. Nine states have had legal trouble with similar video game laws.

Gayle Ruzicka, president of the Utah Eagle Forum, spoke out on behalf of the resolution before the committee. She said the actions of the Trolley Square gunman, Sulejman Talovic, mirrored a Grand Theft Auto video game. She also said violent video games have served as a gateway to pornography.

The resolution also calls on Attorney General Mark Shurtleff to support attorneys general from other states who are involved in legal battles over their video game laws.

The vote to approve the resolution was unanimous. HJR15 now goes to the House floor.