The proposed bill SB1073 amends the existing law on obstructing a highway or public thoroughfare by expanding the definition of unlawful interference. Under the new provisions, it becomes illegal for a person, after receiving a verbal warning, to intentionally obstruct passage on any roadway leading to an airport or on highways, bridges, or tunnels that are currently congested with 25 or more vehicles or people. This violation is classified as a class 6 felony, which carries a presumptive imprisonment sentence of one year for first-time offenders.

In contrast, the current law categorizes similar offenses as misdemeanors, with varying degrees of severity. Specifically, the existing law classifies certain types of obstruction as class 1, class 2, and class 3 misdemeanors, depending on the nature of the act and prior violations. The new bill significantly escalates the penalties for obstructing traffic in specified high-traffic areas, reflecting a shift towards stricter enforcement against such actions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-2906
Senate Engrossed Version: 13-2906