Republican lawmakers in at least six states introduced bills this year intended to shield drivers who unintentionally strike protesters obstructing public roads. Here's a look at the details:
- Florida: Senate Bill 1096 and House Bill 1419 specified that drivers who unintentionally injure or kill protesters who were blocking roads without a permit would not be liable for the injuries. The bills died in committee in May.
- North Carolina: House Bill 330 would make drivers who are "exercising due care" immune from civil liability for injuring protesters who are blocking traffic in a public right of way without a valid permit to do so. The bill said that immunity would not apply if the driver's actions were "willful or wanton." The House approved the bill in April on a 67-48 vote, but it has not advanced in the state Senate.
- North Dakota: House Bill 1203 said any drivers "exercising reasonable care" would not be liable for the injury or death of anyone who is intentionally blocking traffic on a public road. The House voted 50-41 to reject the measure in February.
- Rhode Island: House Bill 5690 said any driver "exercising due care" would be immune from civil liability for injuring protesters who are blocking traffic in a public right of way. The bill died in March after a committee said it should be studied further.
- Tennessee: House Bill 668 and Senate Bill 944 stated that drivers "exercising due care" would be immune from civil liability for injuring protesters who are blocking traffic. The immunity would not apply to drivers whose actions were "willful or wanton." A House committee voted down the bill in March, and its companion in the Senate stalled.
- Texas: House Bill 250 would declare that drivers "exercising due care" are not liable for injuring protesters who are blocking traffic in a public right of way. The immunity would not apply to drivers who are "grossly negligent." Introduced in July, the bill is pending in committee.