ALBANY – Negotiations are underway to end a long deadlock on a bill to toughen penalties for video voyeurism, sources told The Post last night.
Democratic state lawmakers have reached out to the Republican-led state Senate to begin talks on “Stephanie’s Law” – which would make it a felony to tape someone without their knowledge.
“They expressed strong interest in trying to negotiate a deal,” said Senate spokesman John McArdle.
One Assembly Democrat source said the issue is now being discussed at the “highest staff levels” – indicating Assembly leadership may finally be willing to strike a deal.
The sudden Assembly interest coincided with the outrage surrounding the recent sentencing of a Long Island landlord who escaped jail time despite secretly taping his tenant in her apartment.
Prosecutors and victim Stephanie Fuller expressed frustration that landlord William Schultz could not be charged with anything more than criminal trespassing, a misdemeanor.
“This is one of those instances where the spotlight of The Post may get a law done,” the Assembly source said, referring to last week’s front-page story on the issue.
For years, the Senate has passed bills making it a felony to secretly tape individuals who have a reasonable expectation of privacy. The legislation also makes it a felony to disseminate the illegally taped material.
But similar legislation has died in the Assembly.
“Negotiations continue to elevate,” said Assembly bill sponsor Robin Schimminger (D-Kenmore), expressing optimism a deal can be reached.
The Senate and Assembly are generally in agreement that secretly taping someone should be a felony – although there are still some differences on just how broad the bill should be.