Protesters who blocked two roadways before a local March rally for Republican presidential front runner Donald Trump inspired state lawmakers to modify a bill Thursday to increase penalties for …
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Bill would stiffen penalties for rally blockers
Posted
Protesters who blocked two roadways before a local March rally for Republican presidential front runner Donald Trump inspired state lawmakers to modify a bill Thursday to increase penalties for blocking access to political campaign events.
State Sen. John Kavanagh, who attended the Trump rally in Fountain Park with his wife, Linda, the town’s mayor, labeled the protestors’ behavior as “corrosive to democracy.”
Opponents say lawmakers should not criminalize the act of civil disobedience.
Three protesters were arrested in connection with the backup on Shea Boulevard and State Route 87.
The amendment would increase penalties from a Class 3 to a Class 1 misdemeanor if an individual intentionally blocks access to a political campaign event or a government meeting or hearing. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
The amendment on House Bill 2548 passed April 21 on a 14-9 vote.
