A bill prohibiting use of camera phones in areas where people expect privacy has been introduced in the Iowa Legislature.

“It’s one of those things that you wish we wouldn’t have to need,” said Rep. Tom Sands, R-Columbus Junction.

If passed, the bill would make the use of camera phones in areas like locker rooms and restrooms a simple misdemeanor punishable by a $100 fine, Sands said.

Use is making or receiving a call with a camera phone.

Sands said rising use of camera phones increases the opportunity to misuse them.

“[Use of camera phones in this fashion] isn’t morally right and it shouldn’t be legal either,” Sands said.

Anna Weaver, junior in art and design, bought a camera phone in spring of 2003. She carries the phone with her and said she agrees it should be a crime to misuse the phone, but she does not want the issue to keep her from carrying it into assumed privacy areas.

“I don’t use it for anything inappropriate,” she said. “I just had my phone in the locker room today … in my pocket.”

Weaver said she has never been told not to use her phone because it was a camera phone.

Barbara Mack, associate professor of journalism and communication, said taking a picture of a person in an area of expected privacy is already punishable via civil suit. However, it has not yet been made a criminal offense, which is punishable by the government.

Mike Harvey, director of ISU Recreation Services, said no usage bans have been put in place for the locker rooms at the Lied Recreation Center. However, he said, he has discussed the issue with university attorneys and management.

“We’re hopeful that individuals will act appropriately,” he said.

“There are so many opportunities for inappropriate behavior that we can not post signs for everything.”

There have been no incidents reported concerning misuse of camera phones in the Lied Recreation Center, he said.