Video game ban had local support

The U.S. Supreme Court today ruled the state legislation banning minors from buying or renting violent video games is unconstitutional.

The idea – formalized in Assembly Bill 1179 – was passed in 2005 but never took effect.

However, it did have support from the local Republicans who were serving in the Assembly that year.

Both John Benoit, now a Riverside County supervisor, and Bonnie Garcia, voted for AB 1179.

Then-Sen. Jim Battin, also a Republican, voted against it and then-Sen. Denise Ducheny, a Democrat, didn’t cast a vote.