KY HB599

Creates legal justification for motorists who use physical force against persons unlawfully obstructing highways when fleeing the area, if a reasonable person would believe the obstruction created an imminent threat to safety or prevented escape from danger; deadly force is justified only when facing imminent risk of serious injury or death

Increases penalties for obstructing emergency responders and obstructing highways from violations to escalating offenses: Class B misdemeanor (first offense), Class A misdemeanor (second offense), and Class D felony (third or subsequent offense)

Imposes mandatory $1,000 fine for obstruction convictions, with community service as alternative for indigent defendants; courts may also order restitution for emergency response costs

Establishes civil liability for those who violate obstruction laws or who aid, abet, direct, promote, or fund such violations, allowing injured parties to sue for actual and punitive damages, court costs, and attorney's fees with joint and several liability

Grants criminal and civil immunity to persons who use justified force under this act, prohibits law enforcement from arresting such persons without probable cause the force was unlawful, and requires courts to award attorney's fees and expenses to defendants found immune from prosecution