This bill amends existing laws related to obstruction in public places in Alaska, introducing new penalties and civil liabilities for individuals who obstruct public passage. A new subsection is added 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, the bill introduces a new section under AS 09.65, which imposes strict civil liability for obstructing public places, with specified damages ranging from $10,000 for nominal damages to $500,000 for death.

Further amendments include the addition of a new section, AS 11.61.155, defining the crime of obstruction of a public place and outlining specific actions that constitute this offense, along with defenses and exceptions. The bill also modifies AS 38.05.128 to align with the new felony classifications and repeals certain existing statutes. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025, and the bill clarifies that it applies to offenses committed on or after this date.

Statutes affected:
SB0074A, AM SB 74, introduced 01/27/2025: 02.20.050, 02.20.060, 11.61.155, 38.05.128, 11.61.150, 28.35.140