Alaska2026Passed Legislature

HB71

Alaska Law on Blocking Public Places

Last scannedSep 10, 2026, 12:32 AM

In one sentence

This law makes it a crime to block public places and sets specific amounts of money that people must pay in civil court if their actions cause harm or death.

Creates the crime of obstruction of a public place for knowingly dropping substances that risk injury or blocking areas by other means.
Sets the penalty as a class C felony if the act risks physical injury, blocks access to government services, or stops emergency responders.
Sets the penalty as a class A misdemeanor for cases not meeting the stricter conditions above.
Requires people who block public places to pay specific amounts of money in civil court: $10,000 for minor rights violations, $50,000 for property damage, $100,000 for bodily injury, and $500,000 for death.
Allows courts to order people outside Alaska to face legal action if they knew their actions would likely cause a blockage inside the state.

People who knowingly drop substances or block public places without permission.
Individuals whose passage is obstructed, including those suffering injury, property damage, or death.
People who aid, encourage, or authorize obstruction with actual malice.

The law does not apply to blocking authorized by a permit from a state agency or city.
Service vehicles like buses and garbage trucks are allowed brief stops while working.
This act only applies to offenses committed on or after July 1, 2025.

Plain language

Class C felony: A serious crime that carries heavier punishment than a misdemeanor but is less severe than the highest level of felonies.
Actual malice: Knowing or recklessly ignoring that words or actions will cause an illegal blockage of a public place.
Strict liability: Being legally responsible for damages even if the person did not intend to cause harm, as long as they broke the law regarding obstruction.

Official record

Validated

OBSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN PUBLIC PLACES An Act relating to obstruction; and providing for an effective date.

Official activity