Steven Tyler Privacy Act Passes Hawaii Senate, On To the House House

March 5th, 2013

The Hawaii Reporter has the story here:

Rock legend Steven Tyler of Aerosmith fame can sing a happy Hawaiian tune. The Hawaii State Senate on Tuesday, March 5, passed the Steven Tyler Act, legislation that Tyler and other celebrities said will protect them from overzealous journalists and paparazzi.

The bill, which has been criticized by journalism and media groups both locally and nationally, establishes a civil violation against anyone taking photos, videos and other unauthorized recordings of celebrities and other public officials while they are on their private property.

Just two of 25 senators opposed the measure including Sen. Les Ihara, D-Kapahulu, and Sen. Sam Slom, R-Hawaii Kai.

Slom noted Hawaii has been ridiculed for the legislation by news editorials across the country and said the bill is unnecessary because Hawaii already has privacy and trespassing laws that protect individuals including celebrities.

I have been in touch with Senator Slom following the editorial I wrote in USA Today with Ilya Shapiro.

I’ll keep you posted about this law.

My previous posts are herehereherehere, and Op-Ed with Ilya Shapiro.