Hawaii Passes the 'Steven Tyler' Act: What Is It?

The state of Hawaii has passed a bill to protect celebrities from unwanted paparazzi pictures and video. Dubbed the “Steven Tyler Act” after its proposal by the Aerosmith frontman, the motion grants privacy to celebrity residents and tourists of the state by issuing civil violations to photographers who impose on their private moments.

Tyler, who owns an multi-million dollar property in Maui, approached Hawaiian senator Kalani English with the bill after photos had been taken of him and his girlfriend last year. The invasive photographs -- which were published nationally -- caused conflict in his family, according to the rock music icon.

The bill was supported by 23 out of 25 members of the state senate, with Republican Sen. Sam Slom being one of the bill’s opposers. Slom stated that Hawaii’s privacy laws were suitable for the matter at hand, and that the legislation is in danger of violating the First Amendment’s freedom of the press.

"We have been the butt of many editorials and jokes across the country for this proposed legislation," he said. "My final remarks to Steven Tyler as he sang so eloquently are, 'Dream on, dream on.'"

While the bill is supported by other celebrities including Britney Spears and the Osbourne family, media organizations have expressed their disapproval. The National Press Photographers Association and the Society of Professional Journalists both submitted testimonies of opposition to the proposed laws.

The bill will now move on to the state’s House.