Bill granting immunity for drivers that unintentionally hurt someone blocking a highway on the table in Tennessee

A bill granting immunity to drivers that unintentionally injure someone blocking a highway was introduced into the Tennessee General Assembly this week. 

The bill was scheduled for review by the House Criminal Justice Committee on Wednesday, March 3rd. 

According to 6 ABC, The bill would advance intentionally blocking or obstructing a highway from a Class B or C misdemeanor to a Class E felony, and would also apply to railways, waterways, and even hallways – anything considered a place used for the passage of persons, vehicles or conveyances.” Class E felonies are punishable by up to six years in prison. 

The bill would also include the granting of immunity to any drivers who unintentionally injure or hurt someone blocking these passageways, and imposes a mandatory $3,000 fine on the person blocking the road. 

Any driver “who is exercising due care” in that situation would be ineligible for prosecution for the injury or death.