A bipartisan group of 35 lawmakers, led by 2nd District Rep. Andrew Barkis, R-Olympia, has introduced legislation to increase penalties for protesters who block state highways without legal authority.
The bill comes following a protest that shut down a portion of Interstate 5 in Seattle on Jan. 6, resulting in delays for nearly five hours.
"Every minute a state highway is illegally blocked puts lives at risk, delays critical assistance, and inflicts economic hardship on countless taxpayers," Barkis said in a Friday news release. "It is time to reclaim our roads and send a clear message to those who wantonly break the law and endanger others: Washington will not tolerate anarchy on our highways. We will enforce the law and hold people accountable for making their fellow citizens suffer."
Locally, the bill is co-sponsored by Reps. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, and Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama, from the 20th District, Reps. Joel McEntire, R-Cathlamet, and Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, of the 19th District, and Reps. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, and Dan Griffey, R-Allyn, of the 35th District.
The bill is also sponsored by Rep. David Hackney, D-Tukwila.
According to Barkis, the bill would:
• Establish a gross misdemeanor charge for groups of three or more who block traffic on a state highway without legal authority, which could result in either jail time or a fine.
• Elevate charges to a Class C felony if the demonstration creates a risk of injury, impedes an ambulance, or the individuals refuse to disperse upon lawful order.
• Create a minimum fine of $6,125 and a 60-day jail sentence for repeat offenders with prior convictions.
The bill was referred to the House Transportation Committee.
