Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to improve public safety by creating a new crime called "residential protesting." The goal is to protect individuals' homes and private lives from protests that disturb the peace and safety of residential areas, distinct from community or commercial zones.

Main Provisions

• Definition of Residential Protesting: The bill defines residential protesting as protesting in front of or around a person's home. This does not apply if the home is being used as a place of business or to gatherings at locations commonly used for public discourse.
• Misdemeanor Offense: Generally, engaging in residential protesting is considered a misdemeanor offense.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduction of Penalties:
  • First-time offenders would be guilty of a misdemeanor.
  • If the person has a previous conviction for residential protesting, or if they are in violation of specific court orders such as restraining orders, orders for protection, or no-contact orders, the offense escalates to a gross misdemeanor.

By establishing specific penalties, the bill introduces a legal framework aimed at preventing protests that target individuals at their homes, potentially escalating tensions and threatening privacy.

Relevant Terms

residential protesting, misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, protest, order for protection, restraining order, domestic abuse no contact order, pretrial release condition, temporary restraining order, injunction.