HB 353…Utah Proves Not All Residents Are Nuts

Governor of Utah, Jon Huntsman (R), has decided to veto HB 353. The bill proposed to increase fines for video game and movie retailers that did not uphold self-imposed policies that restrict sales of mature content to minors. The Governor had the following to say about the matter:

The industries most affected by this new requirement indicated that rather than risk being held liable under this bill, they would likely choose to no longer issue age appropriate labels on goods and services. Therefore, the unintended consequence of the bill would be that parents and children would have no labels to guide them in determining the age appropriateness of the goods or service, thereby increasing children’s potential exposure to something they or their parents would have otherwise determined was inappropriate under the voluntary labeling system now being recognized and embraced by a significant majority of vendors. (Source: saintless.com)

I applaud Gov. Huntsman for being able to think this all the way through and recognize the possible ramifications of signing this bill. It’s reassuring to see a politician that is able to spot unintended consequences (as previously discussed here) and to then take appropriate action. So, chalk one up for the video game industry and democracy in general. This is a welcome victory, especially coming from such a conservative state as Utah.

Advocate informs me that Gov. Huntsman is reportedly trying to pave his way for a future presidential bid. This led me to quip that if he’s willing to help out the video games industry then he’s got my vote. “Against Obama?” Well,  not so much. Settle for a high-five, Mr. Huntsman?