Connecticut presents a 10% tax on Mature video games

So, it looks like games are about to get a bit more expensive. In Connecticut, State Representative Debralee Hovey, republican, has put forth a new bill. The bill is essentially a 10% tax on Mature rated games, designed to make the more expensive, and thus, slightly harder to obtain. The other goal, stated in the bill, is to use the extra money generated from the tax of these games and have it go to The Department of Mental and Addiction services.

From the bill itself

“That the general statutes be amended to establish a sales tax on the sale of video games rated “mature” at a rate of ten per cent on the entire sales price and to require the moneys derived from such sales tax be used by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for the purpose of developing informational materials to educate families on the warning signs of video game addiction and antisocial behavior.”

So what does it mean? Well, obviously, games are about to get more expensive. But it also seems to show how something scary, like Sandy Hook, can cause people to make rash judgements. There has been a never ending battle of studies to figure out whether or not video games cause violence in those who play them. We’ll have to wait and see how this bill pans out, and its repercussions should it do so.