Published: May 30, 2023
By: Claire Sullivan, LSU Manship School News Service
Under a bill that cleared another legislative hurdle Tuesday, it would be a misdemeanor crime to be within 25 feet of a police officer on the job who gives orders to stay back.
The bill, authored by State Rep. Mike Johnson, R-Pineville, made it through the Louisiana Senate Judiciary C Committee on a 4-2 vote after passing through the House earlier this month.
Sens. Gary Carter, D-New Orleans, and Regina Barrow, D-Baton Rouge, cast the opposing votes.
If it passes into law, the bill would impose a fine of up to $500, imprisonment up to 60 days or both for those found in violation of police orders to stay away.
Johnson said his bill is a safety measure for officers. Critics raised concerns about its constitutionality, the potential for abuse and the limitations on the public’s ability to film officers. They also noted that Louisiana law already prohibits people from interfering with police duties.
Read more at Louisiana Illuminator
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