An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in obstructing governmental operations, providing for the offense of interfering or impeding a first responder's duties.

HB 1817 would amend Pennsylvania's criminal code to create a specific offense for interfering with or impeding first responders - such as police, firefighters, or paramedics - while they are performing emergency duties. The bill would add this as a new provision under the section on obstructing governmental operations, defining prohibited actions like physically blocking, threatening, or hindering emergency personnel. This change would make such interference a distinct criminal violation, potentially subjecting offenders to penalties under state law. The bill is currently under review by the Judiciary committee.