Bill > HB3257

This bill establishes a new offense called "impeding, threatening, or harassing a first responder" in Missouri law, specifically within Chapter 575 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo). Under this new section, 575.356, a person commits this offense if, after being warned by a first responder to stay away, they knowingly and willfully approach or remain within twenty-five feet of that first responder with the intent to interfere with their duties, threaten them with physical harm, or harass them. A "first responder" is defined broadly to include law enforcement officers, parole or probation officers, firefighters, and "emergency medical care providers," which encompasses various medical professionals and hospital personnel involved in emergency care or security. "Harass" is defined as intentionally causing substantial emotional distress to a first responder through a course of conduct that serves no legitimate purpose. This offense is classified as a class D misdemeanor, which is a less serious criminal offense.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB3257&year=2026&code=R