Paparazzi law questioned at first hearing

Brendan Riley

Monday, Feb. 8, 1999 | 11:45 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A bill that would stop paparazzi and others from filming people in private moments was criticized today by a press representative as so broad it would ban video scans of football game crowds.

Sen. Bernice Mathews, D-Sparks, told the Senate Judiciary Committee her SB34 stems from a request from several constituents upset about being videotaped secretly for a television program.

Mathews said she's willing to amend the bill - but added she still thinks television crews should get court permission before filming anyone in a case where there's "a reasonable expectation of privacy."

Judiciary member Terry Care, D-Las Vegas, a former television news director, said he couldn't imagine TV crews seeking an advance approval from authorities in the course of pursuing a legitimate news story.

Kent Lauer of the Nevada Press Association said SB34 is overbroad and makes no distinction between filming done in private or public places.

"The way it's written, if a photographer in a pressbox with a telephoto lens was shooting a football game or people in the stands, he'd have to get everyone's permission," Lauer said.

Senate Judiciary Chairman Mark James, R-Las Vegas, agreed the wording was broad, but the idea is to get at paparazzi and anyone else who spies with a still or video camera on others without justification.

James also said Mathews has hit on a good issue because Nevada does have a wiretap law governing illegal audiotaping - but apparently nothing on illegal videotapes or photos.

"It's a cutting-edge issue and I'd like to see Nevada get in on this," James said, adding, "There's a whole industry to spy on people. It's ridiculous, it's stupid and we shouldn't have a society like this."

Bob Auer, a deputy attorney general who also chairs the state Private Investigators Licensing Board, showed up with an amendment to ensure that PIs aren't blocked from doing their jobs.

That prompted Care to point out that under Mathews' bill a television newsroom barred from using a hidden camera could simply hire a private investigator to do the job.

Mathews said later she wasn't targeting the press or paparazzi, and instead was considering the privacy rights of "just everyday citizens." She added she was unaware of a recently enacted California law aimed at "stalkerazzi" but would check into it to see if there are elements that would improve her bill.

Mathews' proposal provides for misdemeanor penalties, including fines up to $500, for violations. The California law, introduced after Princess Diana was killed in a Paris car crash fleeing from paparazzi, provides grounds for civil lawsuits.