For Immediate Release:
February 25, 2004
.
Senator Glenn Coffee
Movie Piracy Act Clears Senate
The
Senate Judiciary Committee has approved a measure to outlaw
movie piracy in Oklahoma. Senator Glenn
Coffee is the author of Senate Bill 1234, also known
as the “Movie Piracy Act.” Senator Coffee said
the bill is aimed at individuals who take hand-held video
cameras into theatres and make illegal copies of films.
“It’s already a federal violation, but the problem
is so pervasive there’s no way federal agents alone
can stop this kind of piracy. Having a state law on the
books means local law enforcement can make arrests,”
explained Senator Coffee, R-OKC.
The Motion Picture Association of America estimates that
the U.S. motion picture industry loses more than $3 billion
a year in potential worldwide revenue due to piracy.
SB 1234 would make movie piracy a misdemeanor offense punishable
by up to one year in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
“This is an area of law that has never been addressed
in Oklahoma before, but the fact of the matter is, movie
piracy is theft, plain and simple. This makes it clear,”
said Senator Coffee.
SB 1234 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
For
more information contact:
Senate
Communications Division- (405) 521-5774
