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Bill

S 5658

Relates to aggravated obstructing emergency medical services

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dean Murray and 1 co-sponsor

S 5658 creates or enhances an aggravated obstruction offense targeting acts that impede emergency medical services during medical emergencies.

REFERRED TO CODES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 5658

Summary: Bill S 5658 – Relates to aggravated obstructing emergency medical services

What this bill is and where it stands

  • Bill number and title: S 5658, Relates to aggravated obstructing emergency medical services
  • Status: REFERRED TO CODES (Committee on Codes)
  • Introduced: February 26, 2025
  • Legislative actions: Both actions on 2025-02-26 show the bill being referred to Codes
  • Sponsors:
    • Primary sponsor: Anthony H. Palumbo
    • Cosponsor: Dean Murray
  • Related bills:
    • S 9925 (prior-session)
    • A 5839 (companion) — Assembly counterpart

Purpose and intent

Based on the bill’s title, S 5658 aims to address obstructing emergency medical services with an enhanced or “aggravated” offense. The explicit text is not provided here, but such measures typically seek to increase penalties or create a newer offense when individuals hinder EMS personnel while they are performing emergency medical duties, often in situations presenting additional risk or harm.

Key provisions (anticipated areas, pending text)

Note: The exact statutory language is not provided in the materials. The following reflects common elements found in aggravated obstruction statutes and what readers should expect to see once the bill’s text is available:
- Offense creation or enhancement: Establishment of an aggravated obstruction offense targeting acts that impede EMS workers during medical emergencies.
- Aggravating circumstances: Provisions likely to trigger heightened penalties may include violence or threats against EMS personnel, obstruction during active EMS operations, or obstruction during life-threatening emergencies.
- Definitions: Clarification of terms such as “obstructing,” “emergency medical services,” and what constitutes “aggravated” conduct.
- Penalties: Increased fines and/or prison terms for aggravated obstruction, relative to standard obstruction charges.
- Exceptions/defenses: Possible exemptions (e.g., lawful protest rights, non-violent passive resistance) or affirmative defenses could be addressed.
- Enforcement and jurisdiction: How the offense would be prosecuted and whether penalties differ by location or severity.

Who would be affected

  • Emergency medical services personnel and agencies: Primary beneficiaries through increased protections and potentially faster, safer access to patients.
  • Individuals who obstruct EMS: Subject to enhanced criminal penalties under the aggravated offense.
  • Law enforcement and prosecutors: Responsible for enforcing the new offense and handling related charges.
  • Communities and bystanders: Impacted through improved EMS response reliability and safety during emergencies.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The bill has been referred to the Codes committee, indicating it will be reviewed for legal/constitutional alignment, drafting quality, and potential amendments.
  • As a companion/related piece exists in the Assembly (A 5839) and a prior-session S 9925, proponents and opponents may compare language and thresholds across chambers and previous versions.

Next steps for readers

  • Review the full bill text and any committeeman’s memo to understand the precise definitions, penalties, and any exceptions.
  • Track amendments during the Codes committee process.
  • Consider related Assembly companion (A 5839) for a broader view of how different chambers may approach the same policy objective.

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

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