New York’s Nassau County seeks to ban standing within 15 feet of cops under bill panned as unconstitutional

Lawmakers in Nassau County, New York, are currently pushing a controversial measure that would make it illegal to stand within 15 feet of police officers or other first responders during an emergency. The proposed bill, introduced by the county Board of Legislators, aims to protect first responders from threats, harassment, and physical interference that may hinder their ability to effectively respond to emergencies.

Under the proposed legislation, individuals who enter the designated “buffer zone” for first responders during an emergency would face a misdemeanor charge, a $1,000 fine, and the possibility of up to a year behind bars. Proponents of the bill argue that it is crucial to ensure that first responders can carry out their life-saving duties without distractions or obstacles.

Republican legislator John Ferretti emphasized the importance of allowing frontline heroes to engage in their duties without obstruction. He stated, “It is important that first responders are not obstructed during emergency situations and that our frontline heroes are allowed to engage in the lifesaving actions they are trained to perform without distractions.”

While the bill has garnered bipartisan support from some Democrats, critics argue that it may infringe on constitutional rights and could potentially be abused by law enforcement. New York Civil Liberties Union senior policy counsel Justin Harrison raised concerns about the potential implications of the proposed law, stating that “floating buffer zones offer yet another way for police to keep their activities hidden from public scrutiny.”

Similar laws in other states, such as Louisiana, Arizona, and Indiana, have faced legal challenges and have been blocked by federal judges. Last year, a federal judge blocked a law in Louisiana that prohibited individuals from being within 25 feet of police after being told to back up, citing violations of due process regulations and potential infringement on journalists’ press freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment.

Despite the bipartisan support for the bill in Nassau County, critics remain skeptical about its constitutionality and impact on civil liberties. It remains to be seen how the proposed legislation will fare in the legal system and whether it will ultimately be implemented.