Bill > HB399

This bill creates new legal provisions to address interference with legislative proceedings in Kentucky by defining two new criminal offenses: interference with a legislative proceeding in the first and second degrees. The first-degree offense occurs when someone intentionally disrupts the General Assembly's business through disorderly conduct in a legislative building, with penalties ranging from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class D felony for third or subsequent offenses. The second-degree offense involves knowingly entering restricted areas of legislative buildings or obstructing legislators' movement, with penalties escalating from a Class B to a Class A misdemeanor for repeat offenses. The bill explicitly protects the right to assemble in public forums like the Capitol rotunda and attend legislative meetings. Additionally, the bill amends existing law to require peace officers to make arrests for these new offenses when requested by specific legislative leaders and to remove individuals from legislative buildings. Key terms are carefully defined, including "General Assembly" (which encompasses various legislative bodies and committees), "legislative building" (Capitol and other structures used for legislative business), and specifying that the law applies to persons other than legislators and legislative staff. The bill aims to maintain the integrity and functioning of legislative proceedings while preserving fundamental rights of public assembly and access.

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https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25RS/hb399.html