Steven Tyler is scheduled to testify during a legislative hearing on Friday in Hawaii about a bill that deals with the paparazzi and celebrity privacy.
The Steven Tyler Act , which was named after the Aerosmith singer, would ban photographers from taking pictures of celebrities and their families if there is a “reasonable expectation” of privacy.
The Associated Press reports that Tyler, who owns a multi-million dollar mansion in Hawaii, has already submitted a testimony. The musician plans to be present at the hearing tomorrow when legislators in Hawaii meet to discuss the bill for the first time.
The Steve Tyler Act was designed to protect celebrities like Tyler. Lawmakers in favor of the bill argue that celebrities are deterred from visiting and buying houses in Hawaii because there are so many paparazzi photographers.
The bill reads:
“Many celebrities are deterred from buying property or vacationing in Hawaii because the same paparazzi that harass them on the mainland are more likely to follow them to Hawaii.”
The Steve Tyler Act would make a “safe haven” for celebrities in Hawaii but some say that the bill could violate the first Amendment. Others argue that the bill is unenforceable and will likely ask Sen. Kalani English., to propose the bill, how the Steven Tyler act would classify a celebrity and what exactly determines a “reasonable expectations” for privacy.
A Hawaiian newspaper, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser , also wonders if the Steven Tyler Act will reach beyond professional photographers and target anyone with a camera phone.
What do you think of the Steven Tyler Act?