Missouri Revised Statutes Title XXXVIII. Crimes and Punishment; Peace Officers and Public Defenders § 570.302. Operating an audiovisual recording device in a motion picture theater--definitions--penalty

1. A person commits the offense of operating an audiovisual recording device in a motion picture theater if he or she, while a motion picture is being exhibited, knowingly operates an audiovisual recording function of a device in a motion picture theater without the consent of the owner or lessee of the motion picture theater.

2. As used in this section, the term “audiovisual recording function” means the capability of a device to record or transmit a motion picture or any part thereof by means of any technology now known or later developed.

3. As used in this section, the term “motion picture theater” means a movie theater, screening room, or other venue that is being utilized primarily for the exhibition of a motion picture at the time of the offense, but excluding the lobby, entrance, or other areas of the building where a motion picture cannot be viewed.

4. The provisions of this section shall not prevent any lawfully authorized investigative, law enforcement protective, or intelligence-gathering employee or agent, of the state or federal government, from operating any audiovisual recording device in any facility where a motion picture is being exhibited, as part of lawfully authorized investigative, protective, law enforcement, or intelligence-gathering activities. The owner or lessee of a facility where a motion picture is being exhibited, or the authorized agent or employee of such owner or lessee, who alerts law enforcement authorities of an alleged violation of this section shall not be liable in any civil action arising out of measures taken by such owner, lessee, agent, or employee in the course of subsequently detaining a person that the owner, lessee, agent, or employee in good faith believed to have violated this section while awaiting the arrival of law enforcement authorities, unless the plaintiff can show by clear and convincing evidence that such measures were unreasonable or the period of detention was unreasonably long.

5. The offense of operating an audiovisual recording device in a motion picture theater is a class A misdemeanor, unless the person has previously been found guilty of violating the provisions of this section, in which case it is a class E felony.