Gov. Landry Signs Bill Establishing 25-Foot Buffer Zone for Police
BATON ROUGE, La. — Governor John Landry signed into law House Bill 173 today, which mandates a 25-foot buffer zone around working law enforcement officers. This new legislation, spearheaded by Republican Rep. Brian Fontenot of Thibodeau, aims to enhance public safety by criminalizing close proximity to officers engaged in active scenes.
Under the new law, individuals must remain at least 25 feet away from officers upon receiving a verbal warning to back off. Violators face up to 60 days in jail or a $500 fine.
“This bill is part of our ongoing commitment to public safety,” said Gov. Landry during the signing ceremony. Fontenot, with a background in law enforcement, added, “With violence against police officers rising nationwide, this law strikes a balance to ensure officers can perform their duties safely.”
The legislation has sparked controversy and opposition from civil rights advocates. Stephanie Willis, policy strategist with ACLU Louisiana, criticized the law, stating, “This could infringe upon individuals’ First Amendment rights. Observing and recording police activity is crucial for accountability, especially when body-worn cameras can be turned off or malfunction.”
Recent incidents highlight the contentious nature of this law. A federal jury recently awarded $185,000 to a teenager who recorded his mother’s arrest by sheriff's deputies in Slidell in May 2020. “Existing laws already address failure to comply with police orders,” Willis argued.
As the law takes effect, debates continue over its implications for public oversight and civil liberties in Louisiana.
