Despite the fact that violent video games legislation has been blocked in California, Illinois and Michigan on grounds that the laws were violating the First Amendment, politicians continue to pursue the implementation of such laws nationwide. The latest states that intend to test the legislative waters now include Maryland and Indiana.

In Maryland, there are actually two bills being proposed. One comes from Republican Delegate Wade Kach. Kach's HB 54 is rather tame compared to similar violent games legislation, as it only deals with titles that are rated "Adults Only" (AO). The bill would block the sale or rental of these games to minors and would penalize violators with a sentence up to one year in jail or a $5,000 fine. However, considering the fact that so few video games are rated AO (and most retailers refuse to carry AO titles), the impact of such a law would be minimal.

The more worrisome legislation for the video game industry and the retail community is HB 75, proposed by Democrat Justin Ross. The bill has been dubbed a "California Redux" by some because of its similarities to California's AB1179, which was recently blocked in district court; HB 75 would make special use of its own content ratings, thereby ignoring the industry standard ESRB ratings. The bill would penalize retailers in violation of the law (i.e. those who sell violent/sexual games to minors) with a $1,000 fine. Both HB 75 and HB 54 will be presented to the General Assembly sometime next week.

Meanwhile, in Indiana State Sen. Vi Simpson, D-Ellettsville, said today she would introduce a law in the upcoming session to enforce label restrictions on violent or sexually explicit video games, according to the Associated Press. Unlike other legislation, Indiana's proposed law would not seek to create new ratings. Simpson simply wants to enforce the current ESRB labels.

"We're not setting ages or changing the ratings, we are asking retail agencies to enforce it," Simpson said. "Right now, kids can walk into just about any store and get their hands on a video game in which they can shoot police officers, use drugs, steal cars, rape women or even assassinate a president. That's frightening to say the least."

Simpson contends that although the ratings system is suitable, no one is required to enforce it and it's not being adhered to by retailers. While it's true that retailers are not required to enforce the ratings, the majority of retailers are participating in the voluntary carding program, which means they are to check for ID when a person comes to the checkout counter with an M-rated game.

We'll have more on the pending legislation as it develops. Thanks to GamePolitics.com.