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HB 1076

Crimes and offenses; create felony offense of obstruction of a law enforcement officer with a motor vehicle

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by James Burchett and 5 co-sponsors

Georgia bill creates felony offense for using a motor vehicle to obstruct law enforcement officers during their duties.

Senate Read and Referred
#crimesandoffenses(criminalcode) #motorvehiclesandtraffic
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1076

Legislative bill overview

HB 1076 creates a new felony offense in Georgia for obstructing a law enforcement officer using a motor vehicle. The bill establishes criminal penalties for drivers who deliberately use their vehicles to impede, block, or interfere with police officers performing their duties.

Why is this important

This legislation addresses incidents where vehicles are weaponized against law enforcement during traffic stops, protests, or other police operations. The felony classification signals legislative intent to treat vehicle-based obstruction as a serious crime with potentially significant prison sentences and felony record consequences.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition clarity: The bill's precise definition of "obstruction" and "deliberately" will determine whether it captures intentional acts versus accidents or panic-driven responses
  • First Amendment concerns: Critics may argue the law could chill lawful protest activity if vehicle movement during demonstrations is broadly interpreted as obstruction
  • Sentencing proportionality: Debate over whether felony status is proportionate punishment versus misdemeanor treatment, and how sentences compare to other vehicle-based crimes
  • Prosecutorial discretion: Questions about whether broad language could lead to inconsistent application or overcharging in ambiguous situations

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

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