Kobe Bryant Helicopter Crash Photos Lead to New California Law

California has passed a new bill following the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven other people.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new bill on Monday (September 28) making it illegal for first responders to take unauthorized photos of the deceased at crime scenes. The bill will go into effect on January 1, 2021.

The legislation would make it a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum $1,000 fine per violation, for a first responder to take a photo “for any purpose other than an official law enforcement purpose or a genuine public interest,” according to The Wrap.

The new bill was prompted by lawmakers after deputies in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department took unauthorized photos of Kobe and the others at the site of their helicopter crash back in January, and were shared outside of the investigation, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Find out how Los Angeles will soon be honoring Kobe Bryant.