AK SB255

Creates a new crime of "obstruction of free passage in public places" (AS 11.61.155) that is a class A misdemeanor if obstruction creates substantial risk of physical injury, interferes with access to governmental/judicial services, or disrupts emergency response, or class B misdemeanor for other obstructions.

Enhances penalties for existing obstruction crimes: runway obstruction becomes class A misdemeanor, highway obstruction with risk of injury becomes class C felony, and trespassing that interferes with emergency response becomes class C felony for first degree or class A misdemeanor for second degree.

Establishes strict civil liability for obstruction violations with minimum damages of $10,000 for nominal damages, $50,000 for property injury, $100,000 for bodily injury, and $500,000 for death, plus attorney fees for prevailing plaintiffs.

Makes persons jointly and severally liable who directly or indirectly aid, encourage, authorize, direct, advise, solicit, or conspire to engage in obstruction conduct.

Takes effect July 1, 2024 and applies only to offenses committed on or after the effective date.