Overview

H.F. 2985 (unofficial engrossment UEH2985-1) prohibits certain types of conduct at funerals and similar ceremonies and provides criminal penalties and civil remedies for violations.

Section 1 makes the following acts a misdemeanor:

• intentionally disrupting a funeral ceremony or a graveside or memorial service by public protests or picketing during the hour before its commencement and continuing to the end of the hour following its completion;
• impeding or attempting to impede a vehicle that is part of a funeral procession with the intent to disrupt the procession;
• intentionally blocking or attempting to block access to a funeral ceremony or a graveside or memorial service; or
• knowingly engaging in targeted residential picketing at the home of a surviving member of the deceased person's family or household on the date of the funeral ceremony or graveside or memorial service.

Enhances the penalty from a misdemeanor to a gross misdemeanor if the person has previously been convicted of violating this statute or a similar statute. Makes persons who violate this law civilly liable to members of the deceased person's family or household. Also authorizes injunctive relief. Defines "family or household," "funeral ceremony," "funeral procession," "graveside service," "memorial service," and "targeted residential picketing."

KPB:ph

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