Sen. Weaver Introduces 1st Responder Protection Bill
Interference by citizens with first responders will become a crime if Sen. April Weaver (R-14), who represents Bibb, Shelby and Chilton counties becomes law. Senate Bill 293 would make it a Class A misdemeanor to come within 25 feet of a first responder after being told to vacate the area and impede, threaten or touch the first responder in any manner. The crime would be punishable up to a year in prison with a fine of up to $6,000.
In a press release, Weaver pointed to the large crowds of left-wing protestors touching, pushing and hindering recent ICE deportation operations in Minneapolis.
The bill sets three actions that will qualify for a violation of the law:
- Impede or interfere with a first responder’s ability to perform their duties,
- Threaten a first responder with physical harm, or
- Strike, shove, kick, or otherwise make physical contact with a first responder.
“When our brave first responders are carrying out their duties, they shouldn’t have to worry about zealous agitators or bad actors interfering of inciting trouble,” Weaver wrote in the press release. “This bill makes it clear that when first responders instruct you to back off, refusing to do so will win you a free ride to jail in the back of a police cruiser while wearing a shiny pair of handcuffs.”
Weaver's press release did not define why 25 feet was set as the minimum distance of separation between citizens and first responders.
House Bill 293 has applications outside of events such as the rioting in Minnesota. First responders—particularly EMS personnel—are experiencing an increased, high-frequency of attacks while on duty. Studies indicate over 80% of EMS responders report experiencing verbal violence, with nearly 20% reporting physical violence. These incidents often involve assault, causing severe emotional stress and contributing to high rates of PTSD.
The term first responder broadly captures a range of occupations such as fire services, law enforcement, emergency phone operators, emergency medical technicians and emergency managers.
An increasing number of firefighters and paramedics have faced violence, including sniper incidents, being shot at while responding to scenes and physically attacked during a domestic disturbance call.
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