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Panel sends amended bill increasing penalties for obstructing highways to full judiciary
Summary
House Bill 729, amended to remove sidewalk language and raise certain obstruction offenses to felony levels when conduct blocks highways, advanced to full judiciary amid member concerns about felony classification.
The subcommittee voted to advance House Bill 729 as amended, a measure that raises penalties for obstructing highways and streets. The amendment removed sidewalk language and narrowed the bill so that felony penalties apply when the obstruction involves the obstruction of a highway, street or vehicle thoroughfare.
Sponsor Representative Kiesling said the revised bill makes obstruction of a highway or similar vehicle passage a class D felony (or class E in other instances). Representative Powell and others registered concern about the measure’s impact and whether felony designations were appropriate for obstruction offenses. Representative Salinas noted a broader consequence: recent legislation requires DNA upon felony arrest, and placing obstruction in a felony category could have long‑term consequences for arrestees.
Representative Scarborough spoke in favor of the public‑safety rationale, noting that blocking multi‑lane highways is dangerous. After discussion, the committee voted to send HB 729 as amended to full judiciary; the clerk recorded 6 ayes and 2 nays and the bill advanced.
Members acknowledged the amendment reduced the bill’s reach by removing sidewalks, but several expressed continuing concerns about elevating obstruction to felony status and potential collateral consequences for those arrested.
