Calif. moves to crack down on paparazzi tactics

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US actress Evangeline Lilly arrives for the screening of 'La Princesse de Montpensier' presented in competition at the 63rd Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2010

SACRAMENTO -- Paparazzi could be arrested for loitering outside a celebrity's home or workplace under legislation moving through the Legislature.

A bill passed Thursday by the state Assembly would make it a crime for individuals to engage in surveillance to get a photo, image or recording of a celebrity.

Democratic Assemblywoman Karen Bass of Los Angeles says celebrities have described paparazzi following their children and surrounding and jumping on their vehicles.

Bass says her bill would provide a stronger deterrent to keep "out-of-control paparazzi from violating a person's right to privacy."

The Assembly approved AB2479 on a 41-12 vote, sending it to the Senate.

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