This bill proposes to increase the penalties for deliberately blocking traffic on major roads, including highways, airport access roads, and transit routes in Minnesota. Previously, such actions were considered misdemeanors under public nuisance laws. The new bill aims to classify these obstructions as gross misdemeanors, which carry more severe punishments. The bill specifies that this heightened penalty does not apply to law enforcement, emergency responders, road or airport authorities, or utility workers performing their official duties. The terms "freeway" and "airport" are strictly defined to apply only to major roads and airports with control towers and regular airline service. This bill has been introduced to the Minnesota Legislature and sent to the Committee on Public Safety Finance and Policy for further discussion.