KOMO interviews Rep. Barkis on bill to increase penalties for illegal protests on WA highways

Rep. Andrew Barkis speaks with KOMO's Jeremy Harris about his bill (HB 2358) that would crack down on illegal highway blockades with tougher penalties.

The key provisions of the bill include:

- Increased penalties for obstructing highways: The bill would create a new gross misdemeanor offense, punishable by fines and/or jail time, for individuals who, acting with three or more people, block traffic on a state highway without legal authority.

- Felony charges for endangering public safety: The bill would elevate the charge to a Class C felony if the obstruction created a risk of injury, impeded an ambulance, or the individuals refused to disperse upon lawful order. Organizers or leaders of such illegal activities would also face significant monetary penalties not applicable under current law.

- Mandatory minimums for repeat offenders: Individuals with prior convictions for similar offenses would face a minimum fine of $6,125 and a 60-day jail sentence.

Learn more: https://andrewbarkis.houserepublicans.wa.gov/2024/01/11/barkis-introduces-bill-to-crack-down-on-illegal-highway-blockades-with-tougher-penalties/