Oklahoma just passed a law providing protections to some drivers who hit protesters with a car – By Erin Snodgrass (Business Insider) / April 22 2021
- Oklahoma just passed a bill that would provide immunity to some drivers who hit or kill protesters.
- The legislation would also punish demonstrators who block the use of a public street or highway.
- A surge of “anti-riot” bills have been introduced by Republican state lawmakers since summer 2020.
- See more stories on Insider’s business page.
A new law in Oklahoma will penalize protesters who block public roadways, while offering protections to drivers who may unwittingly hit or even kill them with a car.
The bill would make obstructing the use of a public street or highway during a demonstration a misdemeanor carrying a possible sentence of a year in jail as well as a $100 to $5,000 fine.
Gov. Kevin Stitt signed the legislation, which takes effect November 1, into law Wednesday.
Under House Bill 1674, motorists who are “fleeing from a riot” and have “reasonable belief” they are in danger, cannot be held criminally or civilly responsible for injuring or killing demonstrators.
