Variety reports on the new laws put into effect by California governer Arnold Schwarzenegger ... and let's just say that if you make your living by harrassing Cameron Diaz on vacation and stalking Jude Law at the supermarket ... you better watch your step.

"Handing his Hollywood friends -- and himself -- a major victory in the perennial war with the celebrity press, Schwarzenegger has signed a bill into law further cracking down on photographers who assault celebrities in the process of trying to snap a pic.

New California law, which takes effect Jan. 1, triples the amount of damages a celebrity can sue a photographer for, as well as making employers liable for the first time. Shutterbugs also could have to fork over any profits they make from the offending pictures as well as pay punitive damages.

Law will also make employers legally responsible for their photographers and subject to damages as well, a daunting prospect for the management and ownership of print media."