Readers may remember a previously published article discussing legislation that was passing through the Washington state government machine concerning the banning of violent videogame sales. This Monday, Governor Gary Locke approved the bill, which makes it illegal for vendors to sell games depicting violence towards law enforcement officials to minors.

While this isn't the first law to be passed that regulates games, it is the first statewide law of its kind. The penalty for breaking this law carries fines up to $500.

The law is not without its opponents. The Interactive Digital Software Association, which continues to lobby against game regulation, intends to file a lawsuit countering the recently passed law. Here's a quote from a CNN article containing their statement:

"We're confident that our position will be affirmed in court," said Doug Lowenstein, president of the IDSA. "At a time when the state faces a massive budget deficit, it is unfortunate that taxpayers and parents will see critical funds diverted to defend a bill which is patently unconstitutional. In January 2002 in a similar case, the City of Indianapolis spent $700,000 covering its own and the arcade industry's attorneys' fees on a bill which was unanimously ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit."

CNN - Wash. bans 'violent' game sales

Search for other Mac games news stories or browse our Mac Games News Archive.