Connecticut House Bill HB05735

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/13
• Refer: 1/23/13

Caption

An Act Establishing A Sales Tax On Certain Video Games.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5735 would modify existing tax statutes and introduce a new category of sales tax designated for a specific purpose. This addition is noteworthy as it represents a targeted application of tax revenue designed to fund public health initiatives regarding video game usage among young adults and minors. The potential implications of this bill are significant, particularly in terms of how state tax revenues are utilized, promoting mental health education and resource allocation aimed at families and the community at large.

Summary

House Bill 5735 proposes the establishment of a sales tax specifically on video games rated 'mature'. The bill stipulates a tax rate of ten percent on the total sales price of these video games. The revenues generated from this tax are intended to be directed to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. The funds are earmarked for creating educational materials aimed at informing families about the warning signs of video game addiction and antisocial behavior, with a broader goal of addressing concerns related to violent video games and their impact on youth behavior.

Contention

Despite the bill's intended purpose of mitigating video game addiction, it could face opposition from various stakeholders including retailers, gamers, and industry advocates who may argue that such a tax could discourage purchasing or infringe on consumer freedoms. Additionally, there may be debates about the effectiveness of the proposed educational initiatives funded by this tax. Critics may question whether the tax revenue would genuinely contribute to addressing the risks associated with video game addiction or if it merely serves as a revenue-generating mechanism for the state.