Skip to Content

Resource Collection Legal Protections for Public Health OfficialsPublic Health Authority

Legal Protections for Public Health Officials During the COVID-19 Pandemic

January 25, 2021

by Brooke Torton

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.

Alabama: Obstructing Government Operations

Arizona: Obstructing Governmental Operations

Arkansas: Obstructing Governmental Operations

California: Threatening Certain Public Officials or Their Immediate Families

Colorado: Obstructing Government Operations

District of Columbia: Protection of Public Officials

Hawaii: Obstructing Government Operations

Idaho: Threat Against Officials

Iowa: Harassment of Public Officers and Employees

Kansas: Interference with the Conduct of Public Business

Kentucky: Obstructing Government Operations

Louisiana: Threatening a Public Official

Maine: Obstructing Government Administration

Michigan: Obstructing Health Official

Mississippi: Crimes Against Administration of Government

Missouri: Obstructing Government Operations

Montana: Obstructing Public Servant

Nebraska: Obstructing Government Operations

Nevada: Obstructing Public Officer

New Hampshire: Obstructing Government Administration

New Jersey: Threats and Improper Influence

New Mexico: Interference with Public Officials

New York: Offenses Against Health Officials and Other Public Servants

North Dakota: Obstructing Government Functions

Ohio: Intimidation

Oklahoma: Disturbance, Interference, or Disruption of State Business

Oregon: Obstructing Government or Judicial Administration

Pennsylvania: Obstructing Administration of Law or Other Government Function

South Dakota: Obstructing Public Officers or Employees

Texas: Interference with Public Duties

Utah: Interference with Public Servant

Washington: Intimidating a Public Servant

West Virginia: Obstructing Local Health Officers