On Wednesday, the Alabama House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee convened to discuss House Bill 224, introduced by State Rep. Allen Treadaway (R-Morris). The bill seeks to amend existing laws concerning the obstruction of governmental operations by establishing new boundaries and penalties related to interactions with first responders.
The proposed legislation would make it a Class A misdemeanor to intentionally approach or remain within 25 feet of a first responder after being ordered to maintain distance, if such proximity impedes, threatens, or harasses the responder. Violations could result in penalties of up to one year in jail and fines reaching $6,000. Initially, the bill stipulated a 100-foot distance, but this was reduced to 25 feet following feedback. Additionally, a section addressing harassment was removed to refine the bill’s focus.
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During the hearing, Camille Bennett, founder and director of Project Say Something, voiced concerns about the bill’s potential impact on First Amendment rights. She argued that the bill’s language is overly restrictive and could hinder lawful protests.
“This bill makes protest impossible,” said Bennett. “How can a public servant accurately measure 25 feet and carry around a bullhorn, instructing protestors to disperse in real-time.”
Conversely, Everette Johnson, executive director of the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission, supported the bill, emphasizing the need for a safe working environment for public servants.
“This will provide protection, not just for law enforcement, but for public servants as a whole, to allow a safe space for those officers to work and those public safety officials to work, to do the job that we’ve asked them to do,” Johnson said.
Committee members expressed reservations about the bill’s potential implications. State Rep. Chris England (D-Tuscaloosa) raised concerns about vague language, asking if someone standing at 24 feet and making an obscene gesture toward a first responder could be arrested. A representative from the District Attorney’s Association confirmed that such an individual could indeed face arrest under the proposed legislation.
The committee did not vote on HB224 during the session. The bill remains under consideration, with potential amendments forthcoming to address the concerns raised. Representative Treadaway indicated a willingness to collaborate with colleagues to refine the bill’s language, aiming to balance the protection of first responders with the preservation of constitutional rights.
Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
