SB-742 (amended) was just passed on 9/8, effective immediately.
If you go to vaccination sites for protests or to pass out educational flyers, please be aware of the distance limits and things that could be considered harassing, interfering, etc. Potentially misdemeanors now.
Here is the most relevant portion of it. To see the whole bill text and history, click here.
SEC. 2. Section 594.39 is added to the Penal Code, to read:
- 594.39. (a) It is unlawful to knowingly approach within 30 feet of any person while a person is within 100 feet of the entrance or exit of a vaccination site and is seeking to enter or exit a vaccination site, or any occupied motor vehicle seeking entry or exit to a vaccination site, for the purpose of obstructing, injuring, harassing, intimidating, or interfering with that person or vehicle occupant.
- (b) A violation of subdivision (a) is punishable by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding six months, or by both that fine and imprisonment.
- (c) For purposes of this section:
- (1) “Harassing” means knowingly approaching, without consent, within 30 feet of another person or occupied vehicle for the purpose of passing a leaflet or handbill to, displaying a sign to, or engaging in oral protest, education, or counseling with, that other person in a public way or on a sidewalk area.