Law bars interference near emergency responders starting October 6, 2026

After a warning, people would be barred from knowingly approaching or staying within 15 feet of a responder while interfering with their work or threatening physical harm. The responder must be lawfully performing a legal duty. Standing nearby alone would not violate this rule. The person must have no legal right to engage in the conduct. The warning must be a spoken command to keep away or stop interfering, delivered so a reasonable person would understand that compliance is required. The distance-and-conduct rule takes effect October 6, 2026.

Deliberate obstruction after a responder's warning would carry a first-degree misdemeanor; obstruction risking physical harm to a responder would carry a fourth-degree felony. The warning-based penalty covers responders lawfully performing their duties. A felony is a more serious crime than a misdemeanor. The first-degree misdemeanor requires deliberate obstruction without a legal right and a warning before the conduct begins or continues. Obstruction generally carries a second-degree misdemeanor. A violation risking physical harm to someone other than a responder carries a fifth-degree felony. These obstruction penalty rules take effect October 6, 2026.

Specified court-appointed probation officers would count as emergency service responders under the menacing and obstruction rules. Covered officers are appointed by municipal courts, county courts, or courts of common pleas. Menacing includes knowingly making someone believe the offender will physically harm them or their property. The menacing penalty applies when the probation officer is performing official duties. The felony requires a prior conviction or guilty plea for a violent offense against a responder or child-services worker tied to that victim's duties. For child-services workers, anticipated duties also count. The probation officer definition and related rules take effect October 6, 2026.