Criminal law; crime of interference with a first responder, established

SB 293 would create a new criminal offense for interfering with first responders, including police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel, while they are performing their duties. The law prohibits approaching or remaining within 25 feet of a first responder after being explicitly told to move away, if the person then impedes the responder’s work, threatens them with physical harm, or makes physical contact. Violating this law would result in a Class A misdemeanor charge, punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine. The bill excludes actions related to obstructing an arrest and is currently pending in the Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee.