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Committee passes first-responder 'Halo Act' after amendment to use existing obstruction statutes
Summary
After debate over speech and enforcement contours, the committee passed House Bill 390 with a Smith amendment that references existing obstructing/hindering statutes for law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical personnel rather than creating a new standalone offense.
Representative Fleming introduced House Bill 390, the "Halo Act," proposing a 25-foot buffer zone and prohibiting obstructing or harassing first responders while they perform official duties. He said the measure "enhances the safety of first responders carrying out their official duties" and explained the intent behind a 25-foot reactionary gap.
Lance LaRusso, general counsel for the Georgia Federal Reserve Police and a veteran officer, described the tactical rationale for the 25-foot distance and gave examples of assaults on on-scene responders. He said the gap gives…
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