The House Criminal Justice Committee approves legislation that would make it a crime to be within 25-feet of a working law enforcement officer who told the person to stop or retreat. Thibodaux Representative Bryan Fontenot says he’s trying to protect officers with this bill…
“At 25 feet, that person can’t spit in my face when I make an arrest. The chances of him hitting me in the back of the head with a beer bottle at 25 feet it sure is a lot more difficult.”
The bill was approved last year but vetoed by then Governor John Bel Edwards. Policy Strategist for the Louisiana ACLU, Stephanie Willis, believes this law will be difficult enforce properly…
“I don’t know if police officers will have to walk around with measuring tape to ensure that they are actually 25 feet away. And if there’s more than two officers at a scene, how do I know which officer to step away from?”
Opponents raised concerns about constitutional rights and whether on lookers can still get good video of potential police misconduct. Fontenot says 25 feet is a sufficient distance…
“We’re not trying to read the officers name on his uniform as much as we are trying to articulate his actions. And are his actions when we are videoing him appropriate with his scope and conduct within his use of force.”
If the bill becomes law, violators could receive a jail sentence of up to 60 days and a fine of $500. HB 173 will receive it’s next debate on the House floor
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