Rhode Island Lawmaker Proposes New Tax On Violent Games After Florida School Shooting
Paolo Sirio 
Image via Rockstar Games
Rhode Island state representative Robert Nardolillo just proposed a new tax to be applied in the Ocean State to the most violent games. If approved, this proposal would allow for a +10% on mature titles like GTA V whereas the current tax in the state is +7%.
Let’s do an example so you have a clearer idea of what could happen. A $60 is sold at $64.20 in Rhode Island, at this stage; under the new law, it would cost $70.20 right away, coming with a further $6 charge for video gamers.
The additional income, says Nardolillo, would be used to fund “a special account” that would allow for “conflict resolution activities”, mental issues programs and counseling.
“Our goal is to make every school in Rhode Island a safe and calm place for students to learn,” Nardolillo said in a news release. “By offering children resources to manage their aggression today, we can ensure a more peaceful tomorrow.”
Without mentioning any study or statistics, he said that “there is evidence that children exposed to violent video games at a young age tend to act more aggressively than those who are not. (…) This bill would give schools the additional resources needed to help students deal with that aggression in a positive way.”
The saddest thing in this process is that once again video games are seen as the problem behind shootings (the latest at the high school in Parkland, Florida), which is yet another way to preserve the interests of the lobby of weapons and let people think the lawmakers are actually doing something concrete about the issue.
Needless to say, this wouldn’t fix any of the issues people are facing basically each and every day in the United States, while introducing yet another issue of increasing prices for people who simply want to enjoy their hobbies.
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