By Bob Katzen 

Another bill before the Judiciary Committee would fine and jail any demonstrator or protester who intentionally blocks or prevents access to a public road or highway with a speed limit of 30 miles per hour or higher. Offenders would be fined up to $2,500 and imprisoned for up to one year.

   Supporters say that these demonstrations on public roads wreak havoc on the roads and can lead to injuries or deaths. They note that the protesters often prevent passage of police and fire vehicles and ambulances. They cite an incident in 2015 during which demonstrators linked arms inside 1,100-pound drums and disrupted traffic.