Halle Berry Testifies for Bill to Rein In Paparazzi

Halle Berry testified today for a California bill that would limit the ability of paparazzi to photograph the children of celebrities and public figures. "My daughter doesn't want to go to school because she knows `the men' are watching for her," Berry told an Assembly committee. "They jump out of the bushes and from behind cars and who knows where else, besieging these children just to get a photo."

The bill would change the definition of harassment to include photographing or recording a child without the permission of a legal guardian. Anyone convicted of a first offense could spend between 10 days and a year in jail. Berry's testimony worked: The measure passed in committee and is now in the hands of the full Assembly. Opponents fear it would interfere with reporters and photographers gathering news, but its sponsor is doubtful and says he will consider tweaking it to make sure. (More Halle Berry stories.)