The Louisiana Senate on Monday voted in favor of a House-approved bill that would make it a crime to come within 25 feet of a law enforcement officer when told to stay clear.
The so-called "stay back bill" would impose fines up to $500 and jail time of not more than 60 days for people convicted of failing to heed a law officer's warnings not to approach.
Per the bill, "law enforcement officer" includes police officers, sheriffs and deputy sheriffs, marshals and deputy marshals, corrections officer, constables, probation and parole officers, wildlife and fisheries agents, forestry officials, state park wardens, and livestock brand inspectors.
The ACLU opposes the bill. The organization says it could prevent people from recording instances of police brutality or other misconduct. The ACLU says the bill may be unconstitutional, and says existing law already prohibits interference in police duties.
