Canario Bill would Fine Freeway Blockers $1,000

Rep. Dennis M. Canario said he believes in the right to assemble and protest. But he also believes blocking freeways as a form of protest jeopardizes public safety.

That’s why Canario (D-Dist. 71, Portsmouth, Little Compton, Tiverton) has introduced a bill that would make blocking a freeway a misdemeanor with a fine of $1,000 and up to a year in jail, or both.

“I do not want this legislation to be misconstrued as preventing lawful picketing or lawful demonstrations,” Canario said. “But gathering on a highway, shutting down the flow of traffic, possibly preventing rescue vehicles from reaching their destination – whether that’s a hospital or the home of a person in distress – is an entirely different matter. That kind of protest is potentially threatening the welfare of others and should not be allowed.”

The bill, 2015-H 5193, comes in response to recent protests in Boston and Providence that shut down Interstates 95 and 93. In Boston, there was at least one report of person who was diverted away from a hospital to a less-desirable facility when an ambulance was stuck in traffic.. Protesters used concrete to secure their linked-arms inside metal barrels and police had to painstakingly cut them out without causing injury before they could be moved.

“I believe absolutely in the right to assemble, the right to protest,” said Rep. Dennis M. Canario, “but I believe protestors cross the line when their actions threaten the safety of others.”

The bill had its first hearing this week before the House Committee on Judiciary and was held for further study. Co-sponsors include by Rep. John G. Edwards (D-Dist. 70, Tiverton, Portsmouth), Rep. Raymond A. Hull (D-Dist. 6, Providence, North Providence), Rep. Joseph S. Almeida (D-Dist. 12, Providence) and Rep. K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick).