The Senate Judiciary Committee met this afternoon to discuss Senate Bills 4 and 84 addressing crimes against public justice and restricting law enforcement surveillance.
SB4 would update existing state law by adding a new section related to crimes against public justice.
This bill would require individuals acting as bystanders to remain at least 25 feet away from first responders while they are engaged in lawful performance of their duties.
The bill would make it illegal to approach a first responder after receiving a verbal warning not to, with the intent of interfering with the responder’s duties, threatening the responder, or harassing the responder.
Senator Joey Gracia (D – Marion, 13) expressed concerns about the use of the word “intent” in the legislation addressing bystander conduct around first responders. He noted that “intent” is subjective and can be difficult to prove in court, as a person’s thoughts cannot be read.
He proposed an amendment to the language of the bill by replacing the word “intent” with “acting in a way to” and adding the words “or menace” after the word “threatening” to modify the bill’s language.
The amendment was adopted, and the bill, as amended, was sent to the Senate with a recommendation of passage.
SB84 would restrict law enforcement agencies from placing surveillance cameras on private property without the owner’s permission.
This bill prohibits the usage of surveillance technology by law enforcement without authorization, with the intent of protecting citizens’ privacy rights.
The bill was reported to the Senate with the recommendation of passage.
