New Bill Would Fine People $1000 for Getting Too Close to Cops

GOP lawmakers want a 15-foot “no-go” zone around emergency workers.

Violators could face a $1,000 fine and up to a year in jail.

Supporters say it protects first responders.

Critics say it tramples the Constitution.

Looks like personal space just got political.

Is this something that will spread across the country?

Nassau County wants to make it illegal to stand within 15 feet of cops — but critics say ‘buffer zone’ is unconstitutional https://t.co/ycN69fidra pic.twitter.com/wPnRsb4q4D

— New York Post (@nypost) April 22, 2025

A very curious bill.

One has to wonder what motivated this.

New York Post reports:

Nassau County lawmakers want to make it illegal to stand within 15 feet of cops and other emergency workers — but critics say the “buffer zone” would be unconstitutional.

Civilians who enter the “zone” for police, firefighters and other first responders during an emergency would be slapped with a misdemeanor and a $1,000 fine — with the possibility of up to a year behind bars, according to a new bill introduced by Republicans in the county Board of Legislators.

The goal of the bill aims to protect emergency responders from “threats, harassment, and physical interference” while on the job, according to lawmakers.

“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,” Legislator John Ferretti said.

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The proposed law has bipartisan support from some Democrats, including Seth Koslow, who is running for county executive against Republican incumbent Bruce Blakeman.

“Our cops and first responders shouldn’t have to fight crowds while they’re saving lives,” Koslow told The Post. “This bill gives them the authority to keep chaos out and do their jobs without interference. It’s backed by both parties — because protecting those who protect us shouldn’t be political.”

State law already punishes people who interfere with first responders with up to a year in jail, three years of probation, or a $1,000 fine.