SB 656 West Virginia Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Relating to impeding, threatening, or harassing first responders

SB 656 creates a 25-foot buffer zone around first responders during lawful duties. It directly affects bystanders who ignore verbal warnings to stay back while police, firefighters, probation officers, or emergency responders are working. The bill prohibits approaching within 25 feet with intent to impede duties, threaten harm, or harass the responder. Violations are punishable by fines up to $500 or up to one year in jail. This law aims to protect responders from close proximity interference during critical operations.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 3, 2025 Last action Mar 3, 2025
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Mar 3, 2025
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
Mar 3, 2025
Committee
To Judiciary
upper
1 primary · 4 co-sponsors

Sponsors