Criminal Justice (Public Safety)

HB 3100 creates a new class C misdemeanor offense for intentionally approaching within 25 feet of a first responder after being orally warned to stop, when the person knows the responder is performing duties. It specifically targets actions intended to block the responder’s work, threaten them with physical harm, or harass them (defined as causing substantial emotional distress with no legitimate purpose). The law applies to individuals who ignore such warnings while law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, or hospital emergency staff are on duty. Violators face misdemeanor penalties, with the bill defining "first responder" to include emergency medical personnel and security staff in hospital emergency settings.