SF2212 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Crime to obstruct certain first responders by approaching or remaining too closely after being warned; Criminal penalty increase for assaulting a firefighter, EMS personnel, or certain health care providers
Related bill: HF2173
AI Generated Summary
This bill proposes an amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.50, subdivision 1, to make it a crime to obstruct certain first responders by approaching or remaining too closely after being warned.
Key Provisions of the Bill:
Existing Obstruction Offenses – The bill reiterates that it is already a crime to interfere with:
- Legal processes or arrests,
- Peace officers,
- Firefighters,
- Ambulance service personnel, and
- Certain government employees performing official duties.
New Offense for Physical Proximity – The amendment adds a new provision making it illegal to:
- Approach or remain within 25 feet of a peace officer, firefighter, or ambulance service personnel while they are performing official duties,
- After receiving a verbal warning from the official, and
- If done with intent to impede or interfere with the official's ability to perform their legal duties.
Purpose of the Bill:
The bill aims to enhance the ability of first responders to perform their duties without interference by creating a specific crime for individuals who fail to maintain a safe distance even after being warned.
If enacted, individuals violating this provision would face criminal penalties as defined under subdivision 2 of the statute.
Past committee meetings
- Judiciary and Public Safety on: March 28, 2025 09:00
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 06, 2025 | Senate | Action | Introduction and first reading | ||
| March 06, 2025 | Senate | Action | Referred to | Judiciary and Public Safety | |
| April 01, 2025 | Senate | Action | Comm report: To pass as amended | ||
| April 01, 2025 | Senate | Action | Second reading | ||
| Senate | Action | Rule 47, returned to | Judiciary and Public Safety |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Additional guidance on interactions with emergency medical personnel."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill relates to defining ambulance service personnel under section 144E.001.",
"modified": [
"Clarification on definitions related to emergency responders."
]
},
"citation": "144E.001"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Inclusion of driver's license agents in obstructive behaviors."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill involves regulations concerning driver's license agents under section 171.061.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "171.061"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Specifies obstruction of deputy registrars as a punishable offense."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill refers to rules about deputy registrars under section 168.33.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "168.33"
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee