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Bills to curb harassment at health facilities split advocates and civil‑liberties groups
Summary
SB 2845 would prohibit intentional or reckless interference with health‑care facilities. Patient‑safety and provider groups urged passage, while opponents argued the bill's broad language could chill lawful protest and create unequal protections for some demonstrators.
SB 2845 would make it an offense to intentionally or recklessly interfere with the operation of health‑care facilities and create civil remedies for repeat offenses, while preserving lawful labor demonstrations. Supporters — including health centers, medical associations and patient‑safety groups — said the bill would protect vulnerable patients and staff from disruptive or dangerous conduct.
Michael Golojuch Jr., speaking for an advocacy group, called the bill necessary to protect patients who seek care without harassment. Michael Lopez, a social‑work student, described observing disruptions in a skilled‑nursing facility and urged support to protect residents who rely on calm, stable environments.
Brett Colbus, testifying in opposition, called the bill “oath to fraud” and warned it included subjective standards that could chill peaceful protest, arguing that the statute exempted labor demonstrations and would impose heavy civil and criminal penalties on other advocates.
Committee members noted the competing policy aims — protecting patient safety while preserving lawful speech — and at decision making accepted attorney general amendments and passed the bill with amendments. The record shows a substantive division in the hearing between security and civil‑liberties concerns; the committee moved forward with amended language and accepted AG‑proposed clarifications.
