Boston — Police chiefs, labor representatives and public safety trainers told the Joint Committee on the Judiciary on Sept. 21 they support H.2057, known as the “Halo Act,” which would create a 25‑foot safety zone around first responders engaged in emergency operations and authorize limited misdemeanor charges if a warned person refuses to back away.

Steven Xiarhos (state representative and former deputy police chief), Chief David Fowler (Salisbury Police Department), the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association and labor groups described the bill as a reasonable, narrowly targeted tool to protect responders and the people they are helping during urgent incidents. Chief Fowler said the bill “establishes a 25 foot safety zone around first responders actively engaged in emergency operations” and “requires a verbal warning before any arrest is made.”

Union representatives and training coordinators said the statute would support modern de‑escalation tactics by creating space. A state use‑of‑force coordinator described revised training that emphasizes force mitigation and distance; advocates for the bill said it would not prohibit lawful observation or recording at a safe distance. The proposed penalty scale mentioned a fine for a first offense with strengthened penalties for repeat conduct.

Committee members asked about First Amendment concerns and how the statute would define “official duties” and intent; sponsors and labor witnesses said the bill contains an intent requirement and that it is intended for hostile or obstructive conduct interfering with emergency work, not peaceful observation. No committee votes occurred at the hearing; bill backers urged a favorable report.