Bill > S0175

This bill adds a new section to South Carolina law to protect first responders from interference or harassment while performing their professional duties. Specifically, the bill defines "first responders" as firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and other emergency response professionals. The legislation makes it unlawful for a person to approach or remain within 25 feet of a first responder after receiving a verbal warning, if the person's intent is to impede the first responder's work, threaten them, or harass them. Violations of this law would be considered a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500 and/or imprisonment for up to 60 days. The bill, known as the Helping Alleviate Lawful Obstruction (HALO) Act, aims to ensure that first responders can perform their critical emergency services without undue interference or personal risk, and will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

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https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0175&session=126&summary=B