Coming up in Committee, Wednesday, February 4: Penalties for Blocking a Highway
1. At present, the definition of disorderly conduct includes obstructing a “highway…to which the public or a substantial group 12 of the public has access”, punishable by imprisonment of up to 6 months, and a fine up to $500.
H5193 makes it a misdemeanor to “intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly, alone or with others, [restrict] traffic flow of a freeway”, punishable by a prison sentence of up to one year and a fine of up to $500.
H5192 creates a crime of “unlawful interference with traffic” with reference to “any federal or state highway”, with a minimum prison sentence of one year for a first offense, 60 days of which cannot be suspended or deferred. (H Judiciary; Wed, Feb 4)