Two members of the U.S. House have once more introduced legislation designed to clamp down on potential sales of racy or violent video games to minors.

Specifically, they want ID checks of teen buyers so games such as “Grand Theft Auto IV” don’t slip into the wrong hands.

The measure, called the Video Games Ratings Enforcement Act, requires ID checks by retailers only for sales of games rated either M, for “mature,” or AO, for “adults only.” Retailers also must post a game-ratings-system explanation that’s clearly visible to shoppers.

Anyone who violates either of these provisions would face a penalty of up to $5,000. However, the measure would not prevent parents from purchasing M- or AO-rated games for their children.

Reps. Lee Terry, R-Neb., and Jim Matheson, D-Utah, are co-sponsors of the measure. Matheson was behind similar efforts two years ago that failed to reach the House floor for a vote.

“Too many children are spending too much time playing inappropriate video games that most parents would find shocking and objectionable,” Matheson said on his website. He cites a 2005 study by the Federal Trade Commission that almost half of all 13- to 16-year-olds it tracked could buy adult- or M-rated video games without question.

The cutoff age for accessibility to M-rated games is 17.

In the past, several states tried on their own pressing for sales restrictions and have run up against First Amendment challenges.