Oklahoma Democrat Representative Proposes Tax on Violent Video Games

A state representative in Oklahoma has introduced a new bill that will add an extra tax of 1 percent on all video games considered to be violent, with the money collected then used to pay for a number of programs that benefit children.

William Fourkiller, who is a Democrat, has introduced a bill labeled HB #2696 which will attack the 1 percent tax to all games that have been rated Teen, Mature or Adult Only by the Entertainment Software Rating Board, which is quite an extension when it comes to the “violent” attribute.

The bill also creates two new funds: Childhood Outdoor Education Revolving Fund, which will promote outdoor education, and Bullying Prevention Revolving Fund, which will prevent bullying in the education system.

The politician who introduced the bill stated, “Violent video games contribute to some of our societal problems like obesity and bullying, but because they raise a lot of revenue, they can also provide part of the solution.

“I hold no animosity toward the video game industry. Their products contribute to the diverse 'market of ideas' protected by our First Amendment that helps make America great.”

For the new anti-violent video game bill to become law it needs to be passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate of Oklahoma and then signed by the governor of the state.

It could take effect on July 1.

The Entertainment Software Association, which represents the interest of video game companies, has announced that it opposes the bill and will challenge it on constitutional First Amendment grounds if it manages to become law.

The organization issued a statement saying, “We are disappointed that even in the wake of an overwhelming decision in the United States Supreme Court finding proposals such as this to be patently unconstitutional, there are those who still try to attack video games with outdated notions of our industry.”