First responder interference bills approved by House

Legislation creating new criminal penalties for interfering with first responders after being issued a verbal warning was approved by the House this week. House Bills 5574, 5575, and 5576, sponsored by Reps. Alicia St. Germaine (R-Harrison Chtr. Twp.), Mike Harris (R-Clarkston) and Jay DeBoyer (R-Clay Twp.), would create a misdemeanor for knowingly and willfully violating a warning issued by a first responder acting in the course of their duties with intent to disrupt the first responder’s ability to do their job through threats, harassment or interference. The legislation rises to a felony and provides a maximum sentence of two years for coming within 25 feet and causing injury of a first responder after a warning and 15 years for causing death. The bills advance to the Senate for discussion.