This Bill Would Allow 'Accidentally' Driving Into And Killing Protesters

Republican lawmakers in North Dakota are taking aim protesters with a handful of bills that would make another pipeline protest far more dangerous.The oil-friendly legislature argues that its constituents are frustrated over the protests, which led federal authorities to halt construction of the $3.8-billion Dakota Access Pipeline as thousands of protesters braved cold weather and violence for months.A bill that state GOP Rep. Keith Kempenich introduced would exempt drivers from liability if they accidentally hit a pedestrian, according to the Bismarck Tribune. House Bill 1203 was written up in direct response to groups of protesters blocking roadways, Kempenich told the paper. He claims protesters were seen jumping out in front of vehicles.Its shifting the burden of proof from the motor vehicle driver to the pedestrian, Kempenich said. Theyre intentionally putting themselves in danger.He admits that the law might be used in cases that dont involve protests. But a few casualties of justice are apparently worth it; his bill would mitigate instances when panicked drivers might have accidentally punched the accelerator rather than the brakes as protesters blocked the roads.Other new billswould be a thorn in the side of protesters and the federal government. One measure would make it a crime for adults to wear masks nearly across the board, while another would allow the state to sue the federal government over millions in extra police costs, according to ABC News.At this point, its unclear whether any of these measures stand a chance, and theres no committee hearing set for HB1203. It might be crazy to think theyre anything more than posturing, dissenters say.Knee-jerk legislation often is poor legislation,Democratic state Rep. Marvin Nelson told ABC News.The Dakota Access protests have cost the state more than $22 million and locals are reportedly upset over the rise in crime in the area ' police have arrested nearly 600 people in the region since August. -- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
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