Bill > SB104

This bill establishes the new crime of "impeding a first responder" by creating a new section within Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 519. It defines "first responder" broadly to include not only those typically considered emergency personnel but also probation or parole officers, university police officers, and airport police officers, and defines "harass" as intentionally causing substantial emotional distress to a first responder through conduct that serves no legitimate purpose. Under this bill, a person commits this offense if, after being verbally warned by a first responder to stay away while that responder is lawfully performing their duties, they knowingly ignore the warning and approach or remain within twenty-five feet of the first responder with the intent to interfere with their duties, threaten them with physical harm, or harass them. Penalties escalate with repeat offenses, starting as a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense, then a Class A misdemeanor for a second or third offense, and finally a Class D felony for any subsequent offenses.

Military Affairs and Security

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26RS/sb104.html