In this week’s legislative update, we’re joined by Senator John Kavanagh (R) to discuss his response to a new budget proposed by Governor Katie Hobbs. We’ll also discuss Kavanagh’s protestor bill, SB1073.
The proposed bill will give a larger punishment to protestors purposefully halting traffic.
“Lately, demonstrators are intentionally blocking traffic and trapping people to make their point,” Kavanagh said. “Although, I think they alienate more people than get support.”
Kavanagh brought up an example from San Francisco who tied themselves up on bridge, holding traffic at a standstill for four hours. Two vehicles were on a organ delivery.
“Nobody has a right to endanger people and take that much time from people,” Kavanagh said.
Currently, the penalty for blocking traffic is a Class 2 Misdemeanor, Kavanagh is proposing to make it a Class 6 Felony.
“Before it rises to felony, a police officer has to say, ‘You are obstructing traffic, get off the road,'” Kavanagh said. “If they stay there; it’s a felony. If they decide to get off they’d simply get charged with the misdemeanor.”
