HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) -
Lawmakers in Connecticut are now considering legislation that would create a new task force to study how violent video games affect children.
The bill, which was discussed by the Legislature's Children's Committee, will create the proposed Violent Video Game Task Force at the Department of Children and Families.
According to the bill, lawmakers want general statutes to be amended to prohibit a business from allowing a someone under 18 years old from playing a violent point-and-shoot video game.
According to authorities, Adam Lanza played violent point-and-shoot video games often before he shot and killed 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14.
"It's time once again to join me in helping Connecticut get ahead of the pack to restrict participation in this ill-advised entertainment," said state Sen. Toni Hart.
The issue has divided many because some of the mass shootings across the country have a violent video game connection, but video game industry experts argued the games don't cause any harm and are already regulated with ratings.
"I honestly don't think it's right," said Edgar Vega, who grew up playing video games. "I grew up on them. Doesn't make you the person that shoots up a school."
Members of the Legislature's Children's Committee are expected to make recommendations by October to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and the general assembly on ways to lower the impact violent video games could have on children.
Officials with the American Civil Liberties Union said the bill is unconstitutional
"Unfortunately, it conflicts directly with the United States Supreme Court law," said ALCU Attorney David McGuire. "In 2011, the supreme court ruled that video games have the same protections as books and novels and difficult. As such, it is difficult for states to regulate them."
Video gaming industry experts told Eyewitness News that these games are harmless and already regulated.
For more information on the proposed bill, click here.
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