Establishes the offense of impeding, threatening, or harassing a first responder

HB 1297 makes it a class D misdemeanor to knowingly approach within 25 feet of a first responder who is on duty after receiving an oral warning not to get closer. This law specifically targets actions intended to interfere with their work, threaten them with physical harm, or cause emotional distress through harassment. It directly affects anyone approaching first responders - including police, firefighters, EMTs, and hospital emergency staff - during their lawful duties. The bill defines "harass" as willfully causing substantial emotional distress with no legitimate purpose.