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H.R.287 / 113th Congress

Video Games Ratings Enforcement Act

Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jan 15, 2013

Video Games Ratings Enforcement Act - Prohibits shipping or distributing in interstate commerce, selling, or renting a video game the outside packaging of which does not display a label containing an age-based content rating determined by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB).

Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to require all retail establishments that sell video games to display information about the ESRB content rating system.

Prohibits any person from selling or renting video games containing the ESRB content rating of: (1) "adults only" to any person under the age of 18, or (2) "mature" to any person under the age of 17.

Treats violations of such requirements and prohibitions as an unfair or deceptive act or practice subject to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 per violation.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Matheson, Jim [D-UT-4] · D–UT

Committees

  • Energy and Commerce Committee
0 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

    Actions

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    1. Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.

    2. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

    3. Introduced in House

    4. Introduced in House

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    Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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    Source last updated: Aug 12, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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