Resource Collection
Legal Protections for Public Health OfficialsPublic Health Authority
Legal Protections for Public Health Officials During the COVID-19 Pandemic
January 25, 2021
Overview
Nationwide, state and local public health officials working to protect the public from COVID-19 are on the receiving end of threatening and harassing conduct for simply fulfilling their duty to protect the public health. In response, the Network conducted research to examine whether the states and Washington, D.C., have criminal statutes punishing individuals who impede public health officials’ duties with such behavior.
![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Alabama-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
Alabama: Obstructing Government Operations
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Arizona: Obstructing Governmental Operations
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Arkansas: Obstructing Governmental Operations
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/iStock-1279968363-scaled-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
California: Threatening Certain Public Officials or Their Immediate Families
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Colorado-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
Colorado: Obstructing Government Operations
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/iStock-182666077-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
District of Columbia: Protection of Public Officials
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Hawaii-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
Hawaii: Obstructing Government Operations
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/iStock-1284133338-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
Idaho: Threat Against Officials
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/iStock-1292664768-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
Iowa: Harassment of Public Officers and Employees
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Kansas-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
Kansas: Interference with the Conduct of Public Business
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Kentucky-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
Kentucky: Obstructing Government Operations
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/iStock-1278815531-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
Louisiana: Threatening a Public Official
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Maine-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
Maine: Obstructing Government Administration
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/iStock-155011977-scaled-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
Michigan: Obstructing Health Official
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Mississippi-scaled-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
Mississippi: Crimes Against Administration of Government
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Missouri-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
Missouri: Obstructing Government Operations
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Montana-scaled-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
Montana: Obstructing Public Servant
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/iStock-1168865369-scaled-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
Nebraska: Obstructing Government Operations
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Nevada-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
Nevada: Obstructing Public Officer
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/iStock-1141676822-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
New Hampshire: Obstructing Government Administration
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/iStock-1283160483-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
New Jersey: Threats and Improper Influence
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/New-Mexico-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
New Mexico: Interference with Public Officials
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/iStock-1255770985-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
New York: Offenses Against Health Officials and Other Public Servants
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/North-Dakota-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
North Dakota: Obstructing Government Functions
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/iStock-1251479519-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
Ohio: Intimidation
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Oklahoma-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
Oklahoma: Disturbance, Interference, or Disruption of State Business
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/iStock-1154049225-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
Oregon: Obstructing Government or Judicial Administration
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/iStock-140375675-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
Pennsylvania: Obstructing Administration of Law or Other Government Function
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/iStock-1256264003-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
South Dakota: Obstructing Public Officers or Employees
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Texas-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
Texas: Interference with Public Duties
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/iStock-1227654577-scaled-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
Utah: Interference with Public Servant
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Washington-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
Washington: Intimidating a Public Servant
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![](https://www.networkforphl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/West-Virginia-736x0-c-default-q40.jpg)
West Virginia: Obstructing Local Health Officers
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