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Motion Picture Assn. of America prexy Jack Valenti is hailing Washington Gov. Mike Lowry for vetoing provisions of an anti-violence bill that would have required "age-based violence ratings" be affixed to TV programs and homevideo rentals.

Although Lowry signed into law anti-violence "Youth Agenda" legislation Wednesday, the governor used the line-item veto to nix provisions that would have disrupted distribution of films and TV programs in the state.

The vetoed provisions -- which Lowry called "overly broad"-- would have required the establishment of age-based violence ratings on all filmed entertainment product, including broadcast and cable TV programs, homevideos and videogames. Video stores would have been required to attach a violence rating on all products on store shelves.

Lowry also struck a provision that would have banned companies that "profit from violence" from doing business with the state.

Valenti said the MPAA is "gratified that Gov. Lowry recognized the voluntary efforts made by the entertainment industry to respond to concerns about the depiction of violence in the media. This proposal burdened the First Amendment and would have made it impossible for the entertainment industry to do business in the state of Washington."