By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – The Missouri Senate gave first-round approval Monday to legislation that targets people who videotape movies in theatres.
Republican John Griesheimer of Washington, Mo. offered similar plans last year, but they didn't become law.
The proposal makes it illegal to record a film in a movie theater without the theater owner's consent.
The measure needs another vote in the Senate to move to the House.
A first offense would be a misdemeanor (punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine). After that, offenses would be a felony, with a possible sentence of up to four years.
Many other states already have similar laws.