Bill > S06828

This bill aims to prohibit the sale of video games with mature or violent ratings to individuals under 18 years old in New York State. The proposed law establishes several key requirements for video game retailers: they must store and display mature or violent-rated games in a designated area restricted to adults, and they can only sell such games to individuals who can prove they are at least 18 years old through valid identification like a driver's license, passport, or government-issued ID. The bill defines mature or violent-rated games as those containing depictions of violent crimes, suicide, sexual activities in violent contexts, murder, racism, religious violence, or illegal drug use. Retailers have an affirmative defense if they reasonably relied on proper identification when selling these games, though electronic transaction scans alone do not absolve them of responsibility. The law would take effect 120 days after being signed, and includes a severability clause ensuring that if any part of the bill is found invalid, the rest of the law remains in effect.

Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6828