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Senate amends Truth-in-Advertising law to curb 'family-friendly' advertising that masks sales to minors; video-game debate centers on enforcement and commerce
Summary
The Senate passed an amendment to the Truth-in-Advertising Act that lets parents or the state seek remedies when retailers advertise as "family friendly" and then sell age-restricted material to minors; proponents say it protects parents, opponents warn of constitutional and commercial-speech problems and unintended economic effects.
The Utah Senate on March 12 amended and approved House Bill 353 to expand the state's Truth-in-Advertising statute so that retailers who advertise they are "family friendly" but then sell age-restricted products can be subject to civil remedies. Senator Dayton, the bill sponsor, framed the measure as protecting parental expectations and encouraging voluntary compliance: "If you voluntarily assert that you are a family friendly store and do not sell to minors, that you don't," he said, arguing the bill addresses businesses that seek goodwill but demonstrate inconsistent practice.
Floor debate focused on enforcement mechanisms, remedies and whether the Truth-in-Advertising framework is the right…
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