Assembly wants nude photographs covered

CARSON CITY -- A bill designed to help keep publications with nude pictures out of the hands of minors was approved by the Assembly 39-3 Wednesday and sent to the Senate.

Assembly Bill 282, sponsored by Assemblyman John Lee, D-Las Vegas, would prohibit the showing of a female breast with "less than a fully opaque covering" across the nipples. The bill also would require opaque covering of male genitals.

Those who distribute materials that don't comply with new restrictions to minors would be guilty of a misdemeanor.

The bill originally was written to stop the proliferation of vending machines in Southern Nevada with free copies of publications that often show nude women.

Witnesses before the Assembly Judiciary Committee last month complained the news racks, once limited to the Strip, are expanding into residential areas. Lee said the racks could end up in arcades.

The original bill would have barred the vending machines in public places where minors are allowed. Machines on the street would have required adult supervision. A person who wanted to obtain a copy would have had to purchase a special token or access card for the machine.

The measure was opposed by the largest escort service in Las Vegas, Hillsboro Enterprise, which said it was unconstitutional. The vending machine section was stricken by the Judiciary Committee.

Voting against the revised bill were Las Vegas Democrats David Goldwater, Chris Giunchigliani and Doug Bache.

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