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Under the legislation, which takes effect in January, violators could face up to a year in county jail and a fine of up to $10,000. Fines would increase for subsequent convictions. The bill also allows for parents to bring a civil action against violators to seek damages and attorneys' fees. "Kids shouldn't be tabloid fodder nor the target of ongoing harassment," de León said. He added the new law "will give children, no matter who their parents are, protection from harassers who go to extremes to turn a buck." Media organizations, including the California Newspaper Publishers Association, opposed the legislation, saying it was overly broad and could restrict legitimate newsgathering activities. De Leon's office says the bill does not infringe on First Amendment rights because it targets the photographer's conduct, not the act of taking a photograph.
[Associated
Press;
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