Bill > HB1323

This bill creates new legal penalties for intentionally obstructing state highways by making it a crime for three or more people to block vehicular traffic without lawful authority. The bill establishes two specific offenses: obstructing highways and obstructing highways in disregard for public safety. For the basic offense of obstructing highways, the penalty is a gross misdemeanor, while obstructing highways in disregard for public safety is classified as a class C felony. The bill imposes significant monetary penalties, with fines starting at $5,000 that cannot be reduced below $1,000. Leaders or organizers of such highway obstruction face more severe penalties, including mandatory minimum jail sentences (30 days for first-time offenses, 60 days for repeat offenders). The legislature explicitly states that while recognizing the right to peaceful assembly, blocking highways creates dangerous safety risks, potentially impeding emergency vehicles and endangering lives. The bill aims to provide legal consequences for actions that disrupt public safety and freedom of movement, while emphasizing that there are legal and safe alternatives for public discourse and assemblies.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1323&Year=2025&Initiative=false