Bill That Makes Illegal Streaming a Felony Passes Senate Committee

Remember the bill that makes illegal streaming a felony? It cleared its first hurdle and was approved by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee today.

The bill targets those underground websites that stream movies and TV shows illegally over the Internet. Operators and sharers of these websites, not watchers fall under its umbrella. Such streaming would become a felony offense punishable by up to five years in prison.

The bill will now move out of committee and to the full Senate for consideration. It still has to pass the Senate, pass the House and get the signature of Obama before it becomes the law of the land. [The Hollywood Reporter]