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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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 05, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 05, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety
March 31, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: To pass as amended
March 31, 2025SenateFloorActionSecond reading

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"
  }
]

Sponsors