Bill 4538

                    Current Status

Introducing Body:               House
Bill Number:                    4538
Primary Sponsor:                Wilkins
Type of Legislation:            CR
Subject:                        Video Software Dealers Association
                                of America
Date Bill Passed both Bodies:   Apr 15, 1992
Computer Document Number:       NO5/8182.AL
Introduced Date:                Mar 09, 1992
Date of Last Amendment:         Apr 09, 1992
Last History Body:              House
Last History Date:              Apr 15, 1992
Last History Type:              Concurred in Senate amendment
Scope of Legislation:           Statewide
All Sponsors:                   Wilkins
                                Fair
                                Mattos
                                Haskins
                                Cato
                                Manly
                                M.O. Alexander
                                Vaughn
Type of Legislation:            Concurrent
                                Resolution

 Bill  Body    Date          Action Description              CMN
 ----  ------  ------------  ------------------------------  ---
 4538  House   Apr 15, 1992  Concurred in Senate amendment
 4538  Senate  Apr 09, 1992  Adopted, returned to House
                             with amendment
 4538  Senate  Apr 09, 1992  Amended
 4538  Senate  Apr 01, 1992  Committee Report: Favorable     11
                             with amendment
 4538  Senate  Mar 18, 1992  Introduced, referred to         11
                             Committee
 4538  House   Mar 18, 1992  Adopted, sent to Senate
 4538  House   Mar 11, 1992  Committee Report: Favorable     24
 4538  House   Mar 09, 1992  Introduced, referred to         24
                             Committee

ADOPTED BY THE SENATE

April 9, 1992

H. 4538

Introduced by REPS. Wilkins, Fair, Mattos, Haskins, Cato, Manly, M.O. Alexander and Vaughn

S. Printed 4/9/92--S.

Read the first time March 18, 1992.

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

TO URGE THE VIDEO SOFTWARE DEALERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA AND ITS MEMBERS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO ADOPT AND STRENGTHEN MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER PROCEDURES TO PREVENT MINORS FROM GAINING ACCESS TO CERTAIN MOTION PICTURES AND VIDEOTAPES, TO URGE THE GOVERNOR TO PROCLAIM A VIDEO AWARENESS WEEK, AND TO COMMEND THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF GREENVILLE FOR ITS EFFORTS TO PROTECT MINORS FROM VIEWING CERTAIN MOTION PICTURES AND VIDEOTAPES.

Amend Title To Conform

Whereas, there is a need for improved self-regulation by video retailers to restrict access by minors to unsuitable videotapes; and

Whereas, various voluntary rating systems have been developed to provide guidance to parents and video retailers to assist them in this regard; and

Whereas, the Video Software Dealers Association of America (VSDA) has endorsed the observance of the rating system of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) by its members; and

Whereas, many video retailers have established membership requirements or other procedures to prevent minors from gaining access to motion pictures and videotapes rated "R" and "NC-17" according to MPAA guidelines as well as unrated tapes that may be unsuitable; and

Whereas, VSDA has adopted a "Pledge to Parents" which is another positive example of industry self-regulation; and

Whereas, further voluntary efforts by video retailers need to be made to strengthen these procedures and to insure they are complied with by their employees and staff; and

Whereas, parental involvement and support is the cornerstone of any rating system. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That video retailers are urged to adopt and strengthen membership requirements and other procedures to prevent minors from gaining access to motion pictures and videotapes which are not suitable for minors, including those motion pictures and videotapes rated "R" and "NC-17" under the MPAA guidelines.

That VSDA will undertake to distribute to every video retailer in the State a copy of this resolution and materials, including the "Pledge to Parents", designed to prevent minors from gaining access to inappropriate motion pictures and hold meetings to achieve this goal.

That parents are urged to actively monitor and guide their children's video watching and to exercise their parental responsibility to determine whether a particular motion picture or videotape is suitable for viewing by their children. Parents are urged to utilize the wide variety of information available regarding the content of movies, including the MPAA rating system, other rating systems, movie guides produced by a number of groups, and movie reviews contained in newspapers and magazines.

That the Governor proclaim a "Video Awareness Week" to educate the public regarding the importance of monitoring their children's video watching and to notify video retailers that they should strengthen their efforts at self-regulation. The VSDA and MPAA shall work closely with the Governor's Office to ensure that "Video Awareness Week" accomplishes its stated objectives.

That the Junior League of Greenville's efforts to protect minors by increasing parental awareness and by strengthening the video industry's efforts at self-regulation, is recognized and commended. The Junior League of Greenville is requested to monitor the success of increased voluntary self-regulation by the video retailers and to notify the VSDA or the specific video retailer, or both, of any noncompliance by a video retailer.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the VSDA, MPAA, and the Junior League of Greenville.