{"code":"PEN","codeName":"Penal Code","section":"653z","citation":"Pen. Code, § 653z","status":"in-force","lawOn":"2026-09-28","headings":[{"name":"PART 1. OF CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS [25. - 680.4.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/part-1"},{"name":"TITLE 15. MISCELLANEOUS CRIMES [626. - 653.75.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/part-1/title-15"},{"name":"CHAPTER 2. Of Other and Miscellaneous Offenses [639. - 653.2.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/part-1/title-15/chapter-2"}],"history":"Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 351, Sec. 7.   (AB 819)   Effective September 27, 2010.","effective":"2010-09-27","html":"<p>(a) Every person who operates a recording device in a motion picture theater while a motion picture is being exhibited, for the purpose of recording a theatrical motion picture and without the express written authority of the owner of the motion picture theater, is guilty of a public offense and shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, by a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment.</p><p>(b) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:</p><p>(1) “Recording device” means a photographic, digital or video camera, or other audio or video recording device capable of recording the sounds and images of a motion picture or any portion of a motion picture.</p><p>(2) “Motion picture theater” means a theater or other premises in which a motion picture is exhibited.</p><p>(c) Nothing in this section shall preclude prosecution under any other provision of law.</p>","text":"(a) Every person who operates a recording device in a motion picture theater while a motion picture is being exhibited, for the purpose of recording a theatrical motion picture and without the express written authority of the owner of the motion picture theater, is guilty of a public offense and shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, by a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment. (b) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings: (1) “Recording device” means a photographic, digital or video camera, or other audio or video recording device capable of recording the sounds and images of a motion picture or any portion of a motion picture. (2) “Motion picture theater” means a theater or other premises in which a motion picture is exhibited. (c) Nothing in this section shall preclude prosecution under any other provision of law.","otherVersions":[],"url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/of-other-and-miscellaneous-offenses-653z","source":"California Legislative Information bulk export (pubinfo)"}