Connecticut lawmaker proposes video game tax - WFSB 3 Connecticut

A state representative whose district includes Sandy Hook is proposing a 10 percent tax on all video games that are rated Mature.

Connecticut lawmaker Debralee Hovey told Eyewitness News she would like to see the money raised from the tax to be used for mental health services.

The bill is currently in front of the Legislature's revenue and bonding committee.

One of the games that would fall under the proposed tax would be Call of Duty, which was one of Adam Lanza's favorites.

On Dec. 14, Lanza, 20, shot and killed his mother as she slept in her bed. He then traveled the few miles to Sandy Hook Elementary School, where he proceeded to shoot out a security window, make his way into the building and kill 20 children and six adults. He then shot and killed himself as police made their way into the school.

A Mature rating by the Entertainment Software Rating Board means content is for ages 17 and up and may contain intense violence, blood, gore, sexual content and strong language.

Video game publishers can chose to participate in the ESRB because it is a voluntary program. However, most publishers do participate in the ESRB system.

Earlier this year, a group called Southington SOS proposed a violent game buyback. The event was later canceled because they said their goal to raise awareness was achieved.

Connecticut reacted to the proposed tax increase Tuesday evening.

"Why? That's not really the main reason," said Leonel Colon of East Hartford. "It doesn't cause violence to others around. It's choices you make probably and what you do."

Ricardo Bustamante of Manchester told Eyewitness News that parents should be censoring their own children.

"We as parents should be censoring what our kids play and watch," he said. "If anything it should be more enforced about gun laws and worried about who is owning a gun nowadays."

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