Bill would bar photo or video in or near Pennsylvania courtrooms
Reading, PA -- Taking a photo in or near a courtroom could soon be a crime in Pennsylvania.
State Rep. Jerry Knowles is the prime sponsor of House Bill 149. The measure would make it a second-degree misdemeanor to produce a photograph, video or audio recording of a proceeding or person within or near a courtroom without the approval of the court or presiding judicial officer.
Supporters say it is needed to protect victims or witnesses from intimidation or retaliation. Critics argue it chips away at constitutional rights by shrinking the public areas where photography is allowed.
If it passes, an offender would face a fine of up to $5,000 and up to two years in prison. The House unanimously passed the bill last week, and it now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Read more: http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/bill-would-bar-photo-or-video-in-or-near-pennsylvania-courtrooms
