A Georgia state lawmaker has introduced legislation that would make it a felony to use a motor vehicle to obstruct, hinder, block, or otherwise interfere with any federal, state, or local law enforcement officer in the discharge of their official duties.
“This bill addresses a growing and dangerous trend nationwide involving vehicles being used to intimidate, threaten or obstruct officers during lawful operations, crowd control, emergency response and public demonstrations,” Georgia Rep. Ginny Ehrhart, R-Powder Springs, said in a release.
According to a news release, the legislation is designed to impose legal consequences on anyone who uses a motor vehicle to interfere with law enforcement activities.
Ehrhart said that by establishing stronger deterrents, the bill would reduce the risk of injury or loss of life to all parties in certain situations. The lawmaker also notes that the measure would not intend to restrict lawful protest or free speech. Instead, she highlights that it would focus narrowly on conduct involving vehicles — conduct that could place officers, protesters and bystanders at risk.
“This bill is about responsibility,” Ehrhart added. “Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy, but no one should fear being injured or killed by a motor vehicle during a public event. Motor vehicles, when misused in tense or crowded environments, can quickly become weapons, and this legislation would prevent tragedies before they occur by drawing a legal line between peaceful protest and life-threatening behavior.”
