§ 143F — Unlawful recording of motion picture in motion picture theater; punishment

Section 143F. (a) Any person, in a motion picture theater while a motion picture is being exhibited, who knowingly operates an audiovisual recording function, with the intent to unlawfully record the motion picture and without the consent of the owner or lessee of the motion picture theater, shall be punished for a first offense by imprisonment in the house of correction for not more than 2 years or by a fine of not more than $100,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment and for a second or subsequent conviction, by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than 5 years or by a fine of not more than $250,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment.(b) Nothing in subsection (a) shall be construed to apply to local, state or federal law enforcement officers employing an audiovisual recording function during the lawful exercise of law enforcement duties.