New Louisiana law criminalizes approaching officers in action

(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.

"The law [HB 173] is a reasonable time, place, and manner restriction that ensures law enforcement can do their jobs without threat or obstruction by others," Murrill said. "We have had several incidents where police officers were injured while carrying out their lawful duties protecting the community and attempting to restore order."

On Wednesday, a coalition of media companies filed suit against Murrill, State Police Superintendent Robert Hodges and East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore III, alleging the law violates the First Amendment.

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.

"I look forward to defending this reasonable response to documented interference with law enforcement," Murrill said.