The media fallout surrounding Mel Gibson's much publicized DUI arrest could end up changing California law.
The media fallout surrounding Mel Gibson's much publicized DUI arrest could end up changing California law. A Santa Monica legislator is pushing a bill that would make it a crime for public safety employees to sell information to media outlets in an effort to clamp down on payments made by celebrity tabloids.
"This is a breach of the public trust, and if violated should be a crime," wrote bill author, Assem. Julia Brownley, D-Santa Monica.
Brownley introduced the bill at the request of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The assemblywoman said she has no direct knowledge that information was sold in the Mel Gibson case, but said in the instant information age, Internet sites may be paying public safety officers for access to immediate information.
"In the Mel Gibson case, we know that once he was accused it was within that evening that he had a mug shot and there was a story," Brownley said. "So does that taint his right to a fair trial? I think possibly so."
Brownley's bill, AB 920, targets peace officers, public safety employees and court employees. It also affects media outlets. Any reporter who offers to pay public safety officials for information could be subject to a misdemeanor under the legislation.
The measure unanimously passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee this week. It has no registered opposition.
I though that this was already a crime. Guess I should have paid more attention in Government class back in the day!!!!
"This is a breach of the public trust, and if violated should be a crime," wrote bill author, Assem. Julia Brownley, D-Santa Monica.
Brownley introduced the bill at the request of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The assemblywoman said she has no direct knowledge that information was sold in the Mel Gibson case, but said in the instant information age, Internet sites may be paying public safety officers for access to immediate information.
"In the Mel Gibson case, we know that once he was accused it was within that evening that he had a mug shot and there was a story," Brownley said. "So does that taint his right to a fair trial? I think possibly so."
Brownley's bill, AB 920, targets peace officers, public safety employees and court employees. It also affects media outlets. Any reporter who offers to pay public safety officials for information could be subject to a misdemeanor under the legislation.
The measure unanimously passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee this week. It has no registered opposition.
I though that this was already a crime. Guess I should have paid more attention in Government class back in the day!!!!
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