Sensing Guideline Commission declines to change its opposition to reckless-interference bill

The Sensing Guideline Commission (SGC) discussed amendments to a bill on the offense of reckless interference with emergency operations on Feb. 6, 2026, but members voted against changing the commission’s formal position.

Staff member Carrie Anne told the commission the legislature set penalties at misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor levels rather than the lower levels the SGC had recommended. Several commissioners said the changes addressed some concerns but did not fully adopt the commission’s recommendations.

An unidentified commissioner moved to change the SGC position from “con” to neutral; Mister Gregoire seconded. After roll call and hands raised, the chair announced, “The motion fails.” The staff said it will continue to report the commission’s position as against the bill.

Commissioners who spoke in opposition emphasized that the legislature went only partway toward the changes the commission sought. Commissioner Brandes said the legislature “went halfway there, but they didn't go all the way,” and maintained opposition because the statutory scheme was still not consistent with the commission’s recommendation.

The meeting record includes inconsistent interim vote counts during the roll call; the final record in the transcript is the chair’s announcement that the motion failed. Because the transcript displays conflicting hand counts during the vote, the commission’s decision is recorded here as 'motion failed' and the staff’s note that it will continue to present a 'con' position.