California lawmakers move to crack down on paparazzi hounding celebrities at home, workplace

Calif. moves to crack down on paparazzi tactics

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Paparazzi could be arrested for loitering outside a celebrity’s home or workplace under a measure moving through the California legislature.

The California Assembly passed the bill Thursday on a 41-12 vote. It would make it a crime for individuals to engage in surveillance to get a photo, image or recording of a celebrity.

Democratic Assemblywoman Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, says celebrities have described paparazzi following their children and surrounding and jumping on their vehicles.

Bass says her bill would provide a stronger deterrent to keep “out-of-control paparazzi from violating a person’s right to privacy.”

The bill now goes to the state Senate.