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Senators Consider Banning Videotaping First-Run Movies

Legislation making it a crime to videotape films being shown in movie theatres gained first round approval in the Senate.

Missy Shelton reports.

Republican Senator John Griesheimer says in other states, people have been sneaking video cameras into screenings og the movie Passion of the Christ, recording the film and selling copies.

Griesheimer says he wants to outlaw this activity before it becomes a major problem in Missouri.

During debate, several senators raised concerns about a provision removing theatre owners and personnel from liability when they restrain someon they suspect of illegally videotaping a movie.

Current law allows shopowners to detain suspected shoplifters until the police arrive but they are liable for any harm or injury they inflict on the suspect.

Republican Floor Leader Michael Gibbons says theatre owners also should be liable if they mistreat someone they're detaining.

Senators stripped out the provision that would exempt theatre owners from liability, putting them on equal footing with other business owners.

Though Griesheimer says theatre owners wanted to be free of liability if they detain somone suspected of illegally recording movies.

The measure faces a final vote in the Senate.

If approved, it would move to the House for debate.

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