A California bill that would stiffen penalties for the harassment of children of public figures has passed a key Assembly committee vote. And as Max Pringle reports from Sacramento, it’s picking up some celebrity endorsements.
Actresses Jennifer Garner and Halle Berry testified at the Capitol in support of the measure. Garner says the bill would stamp out a lot of the over-the-top behavior of the paparazzi.
“I don’t want a gang of shouting arguing lawbreaking photographers who camp out everywhere we are, all day every day, to continue traumatizing my kids,” says Garner.
Under the bill, anyone photographing or recording children without their parents’ permission would face heavier fines and up to a year in jail. But Joe Barry with the California Broadcasters Association says the bill goes too far.
“Pretty much anyone with a phone, or camera phone, or recording device could be charged as part of a group that was deemed to be harassing,” says Barry.
The bill passed the Senate earlier this year. It now moves to another Assembly committee.