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Bill would criminalize driving around emergency barricades; sponsors cite rescues, opponents call it overreach
Summary
HB 2203 would make knowingly entering a closed roadway a misdemeanor (elevated in some cases) with possible license suspension and cost recovery up to $25,000; sponsors and fire chiefs cited flood rescues and responder safety, while defense groups argued the measure is disproportionate and urged making it an infraction instead.
The Law and Justice Committee received briefing and public testimony on substitute House Bill 2203, which would create the offense of reckless interference with emergency operations for knowingly operating a vehicle on a public roadway that is closed due to hazardous conditions.
Tim Ford, staff counsel, outlined penalties: the offense is a misdemeanor (30-day license suspension) elevated to a gross misdemeanor (60-day suspension) if the violation requires emergency response and causes bodily…
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