Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed the law according to which paparazzi who commit assault in pursuit of celebrity photographs will be hit with hefty civil penalties.

"This bill hits the paparazzi where it hurts — the wallet," said Assemblywoman Cindy Montanez who proposed the measure.

"Money is their motivation, so taking away their money will be the solution."

According to the new anti-paparazzi celebrities can win from paparazzi triple damages if they are assaulted during a shoot.

The law also denies the photographers' profits from any pictures taken during an altercation.

Actress Scarlett Johansson had a car crash in August while being followed by paparazzi, and actress Reese Witherspoon was chased by photographers who she believed were trying to force her from the road in April.

No charges or injuries resulted from either case.

As an actor, Arnold Schwarzenegger had testified against two photographers convicted in a 1998 incident involving him and his wife. He also once lobbied for a buffer zone protecting celebrities.

Now as a governor, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the bill which goes into effect January 1, 2006.

SOURCES: NEWS.COM (AUSTRALIA), AP, ALL HEADLINE NEWS. 

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