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RELEASE: HOUSE BILL THAT INCREASES PENALTIES FOR BLOCKING ACCESS TO A HIGHWAY, THE AIRPORT, OR TRANSIT SYSTEM SENT TO GENERAL REGISTER

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

ST. PAUL, MN – The House Public Safety and Security Policy and Finance Committee moved today to refer House File 390 to the General Register for a vote of the entire body. House File 390 increases the penalty to a gross misdemeanor to those who intentionally obstruct a highway, an airport, or block access to a transit system; activities already illegal under current law. The bill is chief-authored by State Representative Nick Zerwas, (R-Elk River).

“I have no issue with people protesting,” said Zerwas. “House File 390 does not limit a person's first amendment rights. It does, however, provide for a stiffer punishment for people who decide to block a freeway, the airport, or the light rail train. Blocking the free flow of commerce is not only disrespectful of people’s time, it’s a matter of public safety. I am grateful that Governor Dayton has publicly indicated his support for this legislation, and I look forward to working with him to see that this is signed into law.”

There have been multiple instances in which highways and the MSP Airport have been blocked off illegally by protestors:

House File 390 has a companion bill in the Senate, (Senate File 676) authored by Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen, (R-Ida Township).

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