HF2173

HF2173 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

First responders; approaching first responders or remaining too close after warning crime defined.

Related bill: SF2212

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes an amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.50, subdivision 1, to make it a crime to obstruct certain first responders by approaching or remaining too closely after being warned.

Key Provisions:

Expands existing obstruction laws to explicitly include interfering with first responders such as peace officers, firefighters, and ambulance personnel while they are performing their official duties.
Establishes a new offense for any person who:
- Approaches or stays within 25 feet of a peace officer, firefighter, or ambulance service crew member.
- Knows or should reasonably know that the first responder is performing their legal duty.
- Has been verbally warned by the responder to stay back.
- Intends to impede or interfere with the responder’s ability to perform their job.
Violators of this provision will be subject to penalties as defined in subdivision 2 of the existing law.

Purpose:

The bill aims to enhance public safety by ensuring first responders can operate without unnecessary interference from bystanders or others who may obstruct their work.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
March 11, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Public Safety Finance and Policy
March 11, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Public Safety Finance and Policy
March 12, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Author added

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Makes it a crime to approach or remain close to first responders after a warning."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill amends the crime of obstructing legal process or law enforcement activities under section 609.50.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies elements constituting obstruction of a responder's duties."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.50",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "References definition for members of an ambulance service personnel crew under section 144E.001, subdivision 3a.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "144E.001",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3a"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Includes references to actions intended to obstruct those performing duties under section 171.061.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "171.061",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Includes reference to duties performed by a deputy registrar as defined under section 168.33.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "168.33",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]