This bill amends existing laws in Alaska regarding obstruction, specifically addressing the obstruction of public places and the penalties associated with such actions. It introduces a new subsection to AS 02.20.050, establishing that a person who violates this section can be charged with a class C felony if their actions create a substantial risk of physical injury or interfere with emergency responses, or a class A misdemeanor for lesser offenses. Additionally, it amends AS 02.20.060(b) to remove the phrase "THIS CHAPTER, OR" from the penalties for violations, streamlining the language.

Furthermore, the bill creates a new section under AS 09.65, which imposes strict civil liability for obstructing public places, with specified damages for various levels of harm caused. It also introduces a new section under AS 11.61, defining the crime of obstruction of a public place and outlining the conditions under which it can be prosecuted, including affirmative defenses. The bill repeals certain existing statutes and clarifies that it applies to offenses committed on or after its effective date of July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
HB0071A, AM HB 71, introduced 01/27/2025: 02.20.050, 02.20.060, 11.61.155, 38.05.128, 11.61.150, 28.35.140