This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 61-6-1c, to the Code of West Virginia, 1931, which establishes the criminal offense of obstructing a highway or other passageway. The bill defines "obstruct" as rendering passage impassable or unreasonably inconvenient or hazardous. It outlines specific actions that constitute obstruction, including intentionally or recklessly blocking public access to highways, streets, sidewalks, or other passageways, as well as disobeying lawful orders from law enforcement or authorized personnel to clear such obstructions.

Penalties for violating this section are also detailed in the bill. A person found guilty of obstructing a highway or passageway would be charged with a misdemeanor, facing fines of at least $500 or up to one year of incarceration, or both. If the violation occurs under aggravating circumstances—such as prior convictions for similar offenses or obstructing emergency vehicles or access to healthcare facilities—the offender could be charged with a felony, resulting in fines of at least $1,000 and imprisonment for one to three years.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-6-1c