Places of religious worship: unlawful activities.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Passed
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill creates a new crime to address intentional harassment or obstruction near entrances and exits of places of religious worship. Specifically, it prohibits approaching individuals within 8 feet or obstructing access within 100 feet of these locations, except when engaging in protected speech like distributing leaflets or engaging in educational protests. Violations can result in fines, imprisonment, or both.
Key provisions
- Prohibits approaching individuals within 8 feet of entrances/exits of places of religious worship.
- Prohibits obstructing access within a 100-foot radius of entrances/exits.
- Exceptions allow for distributing leaflets, displaying signs, or engaging in educational protests.
- First violation is a misdemeanor; subsequent violations are punishable by higher fines and imprisonment.
- Defines ‘place of religious worship’ to include parking lots and associated areas.
- Measurements for proximity are specified.
- The law is severable, meaning that if one part is deemed invalid, the rest of the law can still be enforced.
- No state reimbursement is required for local agencies due to the creation of a new crime.
Who is affected
- Places of religious worship
- Individuals seeking to enter or exit places of worship
- Individuals passing by places of worship
- Motor vehicle occupants near places of worship
Bill text
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Sponsors
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11 on record
Primary sponsor
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