Bill Text: CA AB2194 | 2017-2018 | Regular Session | Introduced

California Assembly Bill 2194 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Video games: microtransactions.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2018-04-17 - In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author. [AB2194 Detail]

Download: California-2017-AB2194-Introduced.html

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2017–2018 REGULAR SESSION

Assembly Bill

No. 2194

Introduced by Assembly Member Quirk

February 12, 2018

An act to add Chapter 6.8 (commencing with Section 20660) to Division 8 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to video games.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

AB 2194, as introduced, Quirk. Video games: microtransactions.

Existing law requires a video game retailer to post a sign providing information to consumers about a video game rating system or notifying consumers that a rating system is available to aid in the selection of a game.

This bill would require the manufacturer of a video game that is sold in California and includes the opportunity to engage in a microtransaction, as defined, within the video game to provide a clear disclosure that the video game includes the opportunity to engage in a microtransaction on the physical box the video game is sold in. The bill would make a video game manufacturer that violates this provision subject to a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation.

Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1.

Chapter 6.8 (commencing with Section 20660) is added to Division 8 of the Business and Professions Code, to read:

CHAPTER 6.8. Video Games Featuring Microtransactions

20660.

(a) The manufacturer of a video game that is sold in California and includes the opportunity to engage in a microtransaction within the video game shall provide a clear disclosure that the video game includes the opportunity to engage in a microtransaction on the physical box the video game is sold in.

(b) For purposes of this section, a “microtransaction” is the ability to use real-world currency, including, but not limited to, a credit card, to purchase an item or download or unlock content within the game.

(c) A video game manufacturer that violates this section shall be subject to a civil penalty of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000) per violation.