The proposed bill, S.B. 985, currently sits before the Judiciary Committee. It mandates that individuals who intentionally impede, threaten, or harass officers within the designated zone after receiving an official warning could face misdemeanor charges. Penalties for non-compliance include up to 60 days in jail and a fine of $1,000. Crucially, the legislation explicitly protects the right to observe or record police activity from a distance.
North Carolina Considers 25-Foot Buffer Zone for Police Officers
State Sen. Chris Measmer has introduced the Honoring and Listening to Our Officers (HALO) Law, a bill that would establish a 25-foot buffer zone around first responders. Backed by the National Police Association, the legislation aims to prevent harassment and physical interference while maintaining the right to peaceful protest.
Legislative Director for the National Police Association, Paula Fitzsimmons, argues the bill provides a necessary legal shield for law enforcement. She maintains that the measure balances public safety with constitutional protections, noting a recent increase in incidents where protesters have intruded on active duty. North Carolina’s proposal draws direct inspiration from Florida’s 2025 statute, joining a growing trend of similar mandates already enacted in states like Tennessee.
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