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Committee backs bill to penalize interference with legislative proceedings; sponsors emphasize limits on protests outside chambers
Summary
House Bill 399, sponsored by Representative John Blanton, was reported favorably by the Judiciary Committee. Sponsors said the bill targets people who disrupt committee rooms or galleries and provides for arrest upon the call of legislative leadership; some members expressed concern about broad language that could capture peaceful protest.
House Bill 399, introduced by Representative John Blanton, was reported favorably out of the Judiciary Committee after presenters said the measure is intended to prevent conduct that shuts down legislative business in committee rooms and galleries.
“There's nothing wrong with protesting. As a matter of fact, I support protesting,” Blanton told the committee. “However, when that protest moves beyond that within our committee rooms and within our galleries to where it shuts down our ability to have our voices heard ... this bill does provide equivalent protection for the legislative branch.”
Blanton said the bill would make obstructing or impeding a legislator or legislative employee an offense, with penalties that escalate on repeat violations. He told the committee that under the bill “on the third offense, it would be a class d felony.”
Mike Templeman, the sergeant at arms for the senate, told members the bill clarifies enforcement authority for police officers “upon the call of the speaker, the sergeant of arms, the president of the senate, or a committee chair,” and that it would allow officers to act when called by legislative leadership to address disruptions in committee rooms, galleries or off-campus committee locations.
During committee discussion Senator Thomas said he respected Representative Blanton but warned the bill’s language — including terms such as “obstructs” or “impedes” — could be applied to situations such as large rallies outside the chamber. “I can't commit to voting for this on the floor. I would need some time to think about it,” Thomas said, explaining his aye vote to advance the bill to the floor.
Senator Wheeler moved to report the bill favorably and Senator Carroll seconded. A roll call recorded ayes from members present; the chair announced, “House bill 3 99 is reported favorably with the expression of opinion the same should pass.”
The committee recorded no amendments in the transcript; discussion focused on the scope of the bill and who may authorize enforcement actions. The bill now moves forward with the committee’s recommendation.
