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Bill

A 9256

Creates the offense of unlawful funeral protest

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dave DiPietro

Creates the offense of unlawful funeral protest, penalizing demonstrations near funerals that disrupt services to protect mourners while limiting disruptive speech.

REFERRED TO CODES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 9256

Summary: Bill A 9256 — Creates the offense of unlawful funeral protest

Overview

Bill A 9256, introduced on November 21, 2025, is currently REFERRED TO CODES. The bill’s title indicates its purpose: to create a new criminal offense described as “unlawful funeral protest.” No text of the bill is provided in the materials here, so this summary focuses on the bill’s stated purpose, likely scope, and typical implications based on the bill’s title and standard legislative practice.

Purpose and intent

  • The central aim appears to be to regulate or prohibit certain protests that occur in connection with funerals or funeral-related settings.
  • The measure signals an effort to balance public expression with the needs and rights of mourners, funeral services, and the safety and dignity of funeral-related proceedings.
  • By labeling the conduct as an offense, the bill would shift certain protest activities from general criminal statutes (e.g., harassment, disorderly conduct) into a distinct offense with its own elements and penalties.

Key provisions (based on the bill’s title and typical structure)

Note: The exact text and precise definitions are not provided. The following outlines reflect common elements found in analogous statutes and what one would expect to see in a bill creating an “unlawful funeral protest.”

  • Definitional elements: The bill would likely define what constitutes a “funeral protest” and specify the setting (e.g., near a funeral service, funeral home, cemetery) and the activities covered (e.g., picketing, demonstrations, phrases or actions aimed at disrupting a funeral).
  • Timing and proximity: Provisions may establish a time window or geographic radius within which protest activity could be deemed unlawful when tied to a funeral event.
  • Intent and disruption: The offense could require demonstrative conduct intended to disrupt, distress, or interfere with funeral services, mourners, or service operations.
  • Civil rights considerations: There may be carve-outs or protections for peaceful, non-disruptive protest, free speech, or certain forms of advocacy, depending on how the bill is drafted.
  • Penalties: The bill would specify penalties for committing the offense, potentially including fines, imprisonment, or both, with severity depending on the jurisdiction’s usual ranges for petty, misdemeanor, or higher offenses.
  • Enforcement and remedies: Provisions may address how law enforcement handles alleged violations, reporting requirements, and potential penalties for violations of the statute itself (e.g., civil actions).

Who/what would be affected

  • Protesters and demonstrators in proximity to funerals or funeral-related venues.
  • Families, mourners, and funeral service providers who attend or organize services.
  • Funeral homes, cemeteries, and related facilities hosting services.
  • Law enforcement and prosecutors responsible for enforcing the new offense.
  • General public and advocacy groups, particularly those engaged in high-profile protest activity.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: November 21, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to Codes, indicating referral to the committee that handles criminal law and penal code issues.
  • Next steps likely include committee hearings, potential amendments, floor consideration, and, if passed, transition to the next legislative stage and eventual signing or veto by the executive (depending on the jurisdiction).

Considerations for deeper analysis

  • Review the full text to understand precise definitions, exceptions, and any safeguards for free expression.
  • Compare with existing offenses (e.g., disturbing the peace, harassment, stalking) to assess overlap or preemption.
  • Assess potential racial, religious, or civil rights implications, and any disproportionate impact on certain groups.
  • Evaluate enforcement costs and potential impact on funeral industry operations and families.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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