Bill > A04874

This bill proposes to amend the New York General Business Law to prohibit the sale of video games with mature or violent ratings to individuals under 18 years old. The legislation defines specific content restrictions for these games, including depictions of violent crimes, sexual activities in violent contexts, murder, racism, and drug use. Retailers would be required to store and display such games in a designated area restricted to adults and can only sell them to individuals who can provide valid government-issued identification proving they are at least 18 years old. Sellers can use an "affirmative defense" if they checked identification and reasonably believed the purchaser was of legal age, though this defense has limited applicability in legal proceedings. The bill defines "rating" as the standardized designation used to inform parents about video game content appropriate for children. The law would go into effect 120 days after passage, and includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the law is found unconstitutional, the remaining provisions would still be valid.

Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4874