Paparazzi face jail for chasing celebrities under new law signed by Schwarzenegger

Despite strong opposition from news organizations, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill cracking down on photographers who drive recklessly in pursuit of celebrities or block sidewalks and create the sense of "false imprisonment" for Hollywood glitterati.

The paparazzi bill, AB 2479 by Assemblywoman Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles), imposes stiff penalties — including possible jail time — for photographers who cross the line. Reckless driving and trespassing already are illegal, so singling out photographers for special prosecution is an affront to the 1st Amendment, argued the California Newspaper Publishers Assn.

Bass helped craft the bill with help from Los Angeles City Atty. Carmen Trutanich. She told The Times in August that Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon had discussed their concerns to her about the aggressive actions of the paparazzi.

"Some artists fear there is going to be a terrible accident," Bass said at the time. "This is certainly no attempt to regulate the press."

But the California Newspaper Publishers Assn. argues that laws on the books already allow the prosecution of people who recklessly flout traffic and trespassing laws. Heaping new penalties on violators just because they are seeking photographs, the organization says, is an affront to the 1st Amendment.

Backers praised the governor's decision to sign the bill.

“This new law is specifically targeted to increase public safety,” said Sean Burke, founder and CEO of the Paparazzi Reform Initiative. “In addition to the sheer invasiveness of broadcasting a person’s personal life to hundreds of millions of people worldwide without his or her consent, paparazzi tactics cause severe disruption to the general public."

-- Patrick McGreevy in Sacramento and Andrew Blankstein in Los Angeles

Photo: Paparazzi on the prowl in Malibu in 2008. Credit: Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Fred]

It's about time. There are daily ads for Paparazzi's on the Web mostly from overseas publications . The sad part pictures are paid on commission basis.

[Erica]

So glad. I always thought that it was a bunch of BS that people think they can harass celebrities simply because they are famous. I guess no one really likes to see people have it better than them so they like seeing those who have made achievements get hurt. But not until I moved to LA did I see how scuzzy the papparazzi are. And it does effect the general public as its definitely unpleasent to have a bunch of scumbags lurking around a fancy restaurant when you are trying to have a nice night out simply because some actor is inside. But at least we dont' have to see them as much as the celebs do.

[Samuel Cole]

The same people who are yelling first amendment rights violations would not like someone coming onto their property for the purpose to invade their privacy or drive in a reckless manner just to get a photograph. The first amendment was meant for free and unabridged speech not to get around laws that protect public safety. In the end those publishers who violate these laws will figure out that they are not above the law and will have to conform to the same rules that everyday citizens are required to adhere to.

[s roxx]

finally the governor signs something that might do some good for california, he's still a hypocrite in my book.

[Adrien]

Its about time. These roving packs of rabid money-hungry photo scum are a scourge to privacy and a menace to society. The law should also allow some of us to shove their telephoto lenses right up where the sun don't shine until their eyeballs start popping like flash strobes.

[Laur]

I just want to make clear to some people commenting that live in Calf. This will protect YOU the citizen's. Is it right to box in a car so the car cant move then cry "citizens arrest" when there poor little footsie gets ran over?When these paps are putting YOU the public the drivers in danger? Children in danger. This is the same basic laws as before just now they can get actual jail time for chasing, boxing in celebs/reg Joe on the street.

Good Job on this one Arnold! Now police need to enforce!

[private]

“This new law is specifically targeted to increase public safety,” said Sean Burke, founder and CEO of the Paparazzi Reform Initiative. “In addition to the sheer invasiveness of broadcasting a person’s personal life to hundreds of millions of people worldwide without his or her consent, paparazzi tactics cause severe disruption to the general public."

I guess Sean Burke doesn't realize, or what's to pretend that he doesn't know, that celebrity's own people tip off the paparazzi regularly, so the celebrity makes the tabloids.

[Kate Ford]

The fine should 100% of profits from the photos taken while committing the crime.

THAT would make them behave.

[unemployable]

Ahhh yes. This is such a crucial law to make. I'm glad he's on the job.