Kobe Bryant's Death Prompts New Law In California

CALIFORNIA — After the helicopter crash that killed nine people, including beloved NBA star Kobe Bryant and his daughter, eight Los Angeles deputies were accused of taking and sharing graphic photos of the scene. On Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a new law that will criminally penalize first responders who take unauthorized photos of deceased people.

In the days following the horrific Jan. 26 crash, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said he ordered the the deputies to delete all images, adding that the department does have a policy against taking and sharing crime photos.

But that policy did not specify accident scenes.

Beginning Jan. 1, taking any such photos will result in a misdemeanor, with fines up to $1,000 per incident, unless photos are taken with law enforcement authorization, the Associated Press reported.

Bryant's grieving widow Vanessa Bryant has sued LASD over the photos. Bryant's lawyers also filed a lawsuit against the operators of the helicopter that crashed last month in Calabasas, killing the Lakers legend and their 13-year-old daughter.

Bryant is also suing a second helicopter company in the crash that took her husband and daughter's lives.

SEE ALSO: Vanessa Bryant Files Second Lawsuit In Kobe's Fatal Crash

The suit alleges the Santa Ana-based OC Helicopters LLC owner and founder suggested the route for the ill-fated flight and should have aborted it.