HB 729

Present law provides that a person commi ts a Class A misdemeanor if the person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly obstructs a highway, street, sidewalk, railway, waterway, elevator, aisle, or hallway to which the public, or a substantial portion of the public, has access; or any other place used for the passage of persons, vehicles or conveyances, whether the obstruction arises from the person's acts alone or from the person's acts and the acts of others. A Class A misdemeanor is generally punishable by a sentence of imprisonment not greater than 11 months, 29 days, a maximum fine of $2,500, or both. This bill generally raises such offense to a Class E felony, punishable by a sentence of imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than six years and a potential fine not to exceed $3,000 . However, this bill increases the classification to a Class D felony, punishable by a sentence of imprisonment not less than two years but not more than 12 years and a potential fine not to exceed $5,000, if a defendant intentionally obstructs a highway, street, or other place used for the passage or vehicles or conveyances.