The "Helping Alleviate Lawful Obstruction (HALO) Act" is a proposed bill in South Carolina that aims to enhance the protection of first responders, including firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical personnel, while they are performing their duties. The bill introduces a new section, 16-3-1092, to the South Carolina Code of Laws, which makes it unlawful for individuals to impede, interfere with, threaten, or harass first responders after receiving a verbal warning to maintain a distance of at least twenty-five feet.

Under this new provision, individuals who violate the distance requirement with the intent to obstruct or intimidate first responders can be charged with a misdemeanor. Penalties for such violations include a fine of up to five hundred dollars and a possible imprisonment of up to sixty days. The act is set to take effect upon approval by the Governor, emphasizing the state's commitment to safeguarding those who serve in emergency response roles.

Statutes affected:
01/14/2025: 16-3-1092
Latest Version: 16-3-1092