Rep. Ginny Ehrhart Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Public Safety by Protecting Law Enforcement Officers and Protesters

State Representative Ginny Ehrhart (R-Powder Springs) announced the introduction of new legislation aimed at strengthening public safety by making it a felony offense to use a motor vehicle to obstruct, hinder, block or otherwise interfere with any federal, state or local law enforcement officer in the discharge of his or her official duties.

“This bill addresses a growing and dangerous trend nationwide involving vehicles being used to intimidate, threaten or obstruct officers during lawful operations, crowd control, emergency response and public demonstrations,” said Rep. Ehrhart.

Rep. Ehrhart emphasizes that the legislation is designed to provide legal consequences for individuals who intentionally use a motor vehicle as a tool to interfere with law enforcement activity. She adds that by establishing stronger deterrents, the bill would reduce the risk of injury or loss of life to all parties in certain situations.

Rep. Ehrhart also notes that the measure would not intend to restrict lawful protest or free speech. Instead, she highlights that it would focus narrowly on conduct involving vehicles — conduct that could place officers, protesters and bystanders at risk.

“This bill is about responsibility,” added Rep. Ehrhart. “Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy, but no one should fear being injured or killed by a motor vehicle during a public event. Motor vehicles, when misused in tense or crowded environments, can quickly become weapons, and this legislation would prevent tragedies before they occur by drawing a legal line between peaceful protest and life-threatening behavior.”

The legislation will be considered during the current session of the Georgia General Assembly

Representative Ginny Ehrhart represents the citizens of District 36, which includes a portion of Cobb County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves as the Secretary and Treasurer of the House Majority Caucus. She also serves as Vice Chair of the Information and Audits and Intragovernmental Coordination committees, as well as Secretary of the Regulated Industries Committee. She also serves on the Higher Education, Interstate Cooperation, Technology and Infrastructure and Transportation committees.