SB 74
Establishing criminal offense of obstructing highway or other passageway
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
Senate Bill 74 creates a new criminal offense in West Virginia for intentionally obstructing highways or other passageways. The bill defines ‘obstruct’ as rendering passage impassable or inconvenient and outlines penalties ranging from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the circumstances. It specifically addresses obstructing public roadways and disobeying lawful orders from law enforcement or authorized personnel.
Key provisions
- Creates a new misdemeanor offense for obstructing highways or passageways.
- Defines ‘obstruct’ as rendering passage impassable or inconvenient.
- Establishes penalties of up to $500 fine or one year imprisonment for a misdemeanor.
- Increases penalties to a felony with fines of $1,000 and imprisonment of one to three years for aggravating circumstances.
- Aggravating circumstances include prior obstruction offenses and obstructing emergency vehicles or access to healthcare facilities.
- Covers obstructions to highways, streets, sidewalks, and other public areas.
- Addresses disobedience of lawful requests or orders from authorized personnel.
- Applies to acts intentional, knowing, or reckless.
Who is affected
- The general public
- Law enforcement officers
- Firefighters
- Drivers and pedestrians
- Healthcare facilities
Notable changes
- Introduces a specific criminal offense for obstructing highways and passageways.
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