(By Jacob Mathews/The Center Square) — A new bill that went into effect on Thursday creates a 25-foot buffer zone for working law enforcement officers.
The bill states that no one, including journalists, can intentionally approach within the specified distance of a peace officer who is lawfully engaged in the execution of his official duties.
It also specifies that it becomes criminal only after the officer has ordered the person to stop approaching or to retreat.
Although House Bill 173 creates a strict safeguard for cops on duty, violators of the provisions can only be fined a maximum of $500 and imprisoned a maximum of 60 days, or both.
The Legislature attempted to pass a similar bill previously, but it was vetoed by former Gov. John Bel Edwards.
Attorney General Liz Murrill fully supports the bill, which she made clear in a statement Thursday morning.
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Critics said during the legislative session that the law could be used to prevent people from recording or witnessing police interactions as a way to hold officers accountable.
In Arizona, which passed the first-of-its-kind police buffer bill in 2022, the law was overturned for violating First Amendment rights.
What’s different about the police buffer law in the three other states — Indiana, Florida, Louisiana — is the bill does not specify rules against filming. Journalists involved with the suit say 25 feet is still not close enough to be able to catch badge numbers or evidence of misconduct, but the new laws in the three states have not been challenged in court.
Murrill is not going to back down from ensuring this bill stays in effect.
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