(WDNews) – State Sen. April Weaver announced Monday she has introduced legislation that would establish a new criminal charge in Alabama for interfering with first responders.
The proposal outlines that a person could be charged if they stay within 25 feet of a police officer, firefighter or emergency medical worker after being instructed to move back while responders are actively working.
The measure also requires that the individual’s actions go beyond simply being present. To face charges, a person must obstruct or hinder a responder’s work, threaten physical harm, or make unwanted physical contact such as hitting, kicking, pushing or shoving.
If passed into law, the offense would be designated as a Class A misdemeanor. In Alabama, that classification carries a potential penalty of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of as much as $6,000.
