End Near for Michigan Video Game Law?
Will Michigan's video game law join the Safe Games Illinois Act on the trash heap of failed video game legislation? We may know soon.
GamePolitics readers probably recall that Michigan's law was enjoined by U.S. District Court Judge George Caram Steeh on November 9th. The issuance of the preliminary injunction by Judge Steeh indicated Michigan's law was unlikely to survive the industry's constitutional challenge.
In his November 9th injunction order, the judge wrote, "It is unlikely that the State can demonstrate a compelling interest in preventing a perceived 'harm'... the Act will likely have a chilling effect on adults' expression, as well as expression that is fully protected as to minors."
Sensing victory, video game industry attorneys went for a knockout punch, filing a motion for summary judgment on December 23rd. The motion essentially asks Judge Steeh to throw the case out for lack of merit. Such an action by the judge would permanently block Michigan's law from taking effect. A two-page order issued by Judge Steeh on Friday gives Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm (seen at left) and other defendants until January 23rd - one week from today - to respond to the industry's summary judgment request.
As always, stay tuned to GamePolitics for further developments.