Interfering with the legislative process could result in being charged with a new crime under a bill that cleared a House committee Wednesday morning.

Sawyer's bill, State Representative John Boynton, is the sponsor of House Bill 626.

He said the bill is designed to address three specific things when someone prevents lawmakers or staff from going into or between rooms.

When someone enters a legislative chamber or room and refuses to leave, and when someone engages in disorderly or disruptive conduct, all with the intent to interfere in the legislative process, the first two scenarios would result in a Class B misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class A misdemeanor after that.

The third scenario could result in a Class D felony for a second offense.

Last year we actually had a disruption.

When we were passing SB 150, there were a lot of noise in the chamber and those those people were escorted out in.

Some were arrested.

We had some authority to do that at that time.

As do we not have that authority?

I know you want to be sure, but we were pretty clear that to continue our business.

So very good question, Representative Stephenson.

And it goes back to that definition of does the statute of 519 020 is that applicable?

I believe that was probably what was utilized last year.

This just puts it more plainly so that our troopers will have that.

And if you'll recall, unfortunately and again, those people had the right to have their voices heard.

But it stifled our ability on the floor to be able to have debate, which is healthy as well.

Right.

We got cut off and got shot right to a vote.

And so it impeded our ability to do the work of our constituents for people who want to get up, regardless of what side of the issue they was on and have their voices heard.

So it stifles our voices to some degree.

So this this in a practical manner, clarifies it so that the troopers that are working have something to go by.

The bill passed in committee along party lines and now heads to the full House for consideration.