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Senate committee gives SB 293 favorable report after debate on 25‑foot rule and recording protections
Summary
The Senate considered SB 293, which would create the crime of interfering with first responders; debate centered on a 25‑foot buffer, whether the bill could criminalize bystanders who assist or record, and an amendment clarifying press protections. The committee voted to give the bill a favorable report.
A Senate session voted to give SB 293 a favorable report after lawmakers debated whether the bill — which creates an offense for interference with first responders — could be applied in ways that limit bystanders' ability to film or assist someone in distress.
Senator Weaver, presenting the bill, said it "creates the crime of interference with first responders" and framed the measure as guidance to secure scenes for emergency personnel. Weaver told colleagues the committee had a productive public hearing the previous day and that amendments had been discussed.
Senator Figures objected that the bill as written could imperil citizens who try to help someone being mistreated by law enforcement, asking for clearer definitions of what constitutes prohibited interference.…
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