NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – A new law signed by Governor Bill Haslam on Thursday during a ceremonial event strengthens punishment for those convicted of unlawful photography.
The law allows a judge to place defendants on the sex offender registry for up to 10 years. It goes into effect July 1.
“The motivation to carry this legislation came after an incident in my district where a perpetrator was caught photographing a female co-worker in a restroom,” said the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mike Sparks.
“Unfortunately, the judge in the case did not have the ability to require the defendant to register as a sex offender,” he added in a press release.
The bill was signed days after a man was seen taking ‘upskirt’ photos at a Kohl’s store in Murfreesboro. Witnesses say the suspect, who is still at large, took pictures as women were bending over.