The bill proposes the addition of a new section, 575.356, to chapter 575 of Missouri law, which establishes the offense of impeding, threatening, or harassing a first responder. Under this new provision, a person commits this offense if they knowingly and willfully approach or remain within twenty-five feet of a first responder, after receiving an oral warning not to do so, with the intent to impede the responder's duties, threaten them with physical harm, or harass them. The bill classifies this offense as a class C misdemeanor. Additionally, the bill defines key terms related to the offense, including "first responder," which encompasses law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical care providers, as well as "harass," which refers to engaging in conduct that intentionally causes substantial emotional distress to a first responder without a legitimate purpose. This legislation aims to protect first responders while they are performing their duties by imposing penalties on individuals who interfere with their work.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (6628H.01): 575.356