HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 3579        FILED ON: 4/2/2013

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

_________________

PRESENTED BY:

Paul R. Heroux

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act to collect a surcharge fee for violent video games and violent music.

_______________

PETITION OF:

 

Name:

District/Address:

Date Added:

Paul R. Heroux

2nd Bristol

4/2/2013

Thomas P. Conroy

13th Middlesex

 

Brian R. Mannal

2nd Barnstable

 

Denise Provost

27th Middlesex

 

Ruth B. Balser

12th Middlesex

 


HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 3579        FILED ON: 4/2/2013

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By Mr.  Heroux of Attleboro, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Paul R. Heroux and others relative to creating a violent video game and violent music surcharge fee.  Revenue.

 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

 

_______________

In the Year Two Thousand Thirteen

_______________

 

An Act to collect a surcharge fee for violent video games and violent music.

 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1. Section 1 of Chapter 64H of the Massachusetts General Laws, as appearing in the 2010 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding, after line 41, the following definition:-

“Violent music”, music that is labeled “Explicit Lyrics” or has been defined as its functional equivalent.”

SECTION 2. Section 1 of Chapter 64H of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding, at the end thereof, the following definition:-

“Violent video games”, video games that have been rated “’M’ for Mature” or have been defined as its functional equivalent.” 

SECTION 3. Chapter 64H of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 33 the following section:-

Section 34.  A surcharge fee of one dollar shall apply to the sale of all violent video games and violent music sold in the Commonwealth.  All revenues received from said surcharge shall be credited to the Department of Mental Health for the purpose of subsidizing Child/Adolescent Services.