LOS ANGELES (TEGNA) – A proposed bill in California would make it illegal for first responders to take photos of deceased people at accident or crime scenes except for official purposes or a "genuine public interest."
The Hollywood Reporter reports this is a direct result of images being released from the scene of the helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant, his daughter and seven others in January.
The bill is titled "Invasion of privacy: first responders."
The crime would be a misdemeanor with violators facing a $5,000 fine and up to one year in jail.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said in March that eight deputies allegedly took or shared graphic photos of the Bryant helicopter crash scene, but he ordered them deleted.
“We’ve communicated in no uncertain terms that the behavior is inexcusable,” Villanueva said on March 2. “I mean, people are grieving for the loss of their loved ones. To have that on top of what they’ve already gone through is unconscionable.”
Bryant's widow, Vanessa, was “absolutely devastated” about the alleged sharing of the photos by deputies, her lawyer said in a statement in February.
