NY Epilepsy Bill Languishing, Samsung Issues 3D Warning

A previously mentioned Bill in the New York State Assembly—which would require retail outlets that sell or rent videogames to display a warning about the possibility of games causing epileptic seizures—appears to still be alive, though buried in bureaucracy.

Bill A04004, drafted by Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D), was first introduced in 2001. It has been referred to the consumer affairs and protection agency multiple times, most recently in January of both 2009 and 2010.

The Bill’s text reads:

This bill (the "Bill") amends the General Business Law by adding a new Section thereto to require the following epilepsy warning, or a similar statement which adequately describes the potential risk of suffering a seizure or experiencing seizure-like symptoms during or after the playing or watching of a video game, be displayed in a prominent or conspicuous location wherever such video games are sold or rented.

The Bill suggests a civil penalty of $50.00 for violators.

A reminder of this in-limbo legislation was found in an article on Daily Finance, which referenced it in a story centering on Samsung issuing safety warnings for its 3D televisions. Samsung warns that “Pregnant women, the elderly, sufferers of serious medical conditions, those who are sleep deprived or under the influence of alcohol,” should avoid subjecting themselves to 3D technology.