Contrary to reports suggesting that CA Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger would do nothing about Assembly Speaker pro Tem Leland Yee's violent video game bill, today he took action by signing it into law. Retailers who violate the act will be liable in an amount up to $1,000 for each violation.

"Today I signed legislation to ensure parent involvement in determining which video games are appropriate for their children," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "The bill I signed will require that violent video games be clearly labeled and not be sold to children under 18 years old. Many of these games are made for adults and choosing games that are appropriate for kids should be a decision made by their parents."

The Entertainment Software Association, which represents the computer and video game industry, immediately responded, and yet another lawsuit is imminent. The following is a statement from ESA president Douglas Lowenstein:

"We are disappointed that politicians of both parties chose to toss overboard the First Amendment and free artistic and creative expression in favor of political expediency. AB 1179 is punitive against retailers, will waste limited taxpayer dollars, and when it is struck down by the courts, as has been the fate of similar statutes, parents will be no better off for this effort to damage one of the state's fastest growing and most exciting industries that is providing some of the most compelling entertainment in the world today.

"ESA intends to file a lawsuit to strike this law down and we are confident that we will prevail."