Georgia Lawmakers Advance Bills Curbing Protest Rights

Critics say new legislation could restrict ability to demonstrate in the state.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Georgia House and Senate have advanced bills that critics say could limit the ability to protest in the state. One bill would create a new felony charge for obstructing a law enforcement officer with a motor vehicle during a demonstration, while another would increase penalties for blocking traffic during a protest.

Why it matters

These bills are part of a broader trend of Republican-led state legislatures passing laws that restrict the right to protest, which civil liberties advocates argue infringes on constitutionally protected free speech and assembly rights.

The details

The Georgia House bill would make it a felony punishable by up to five years in prison for obstructing a law enforcement officer with a motor vehicle during a protest or other demonstration. Another bill advancing in the state Senate would increase penalties for blocking traffic during a protest, making it a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail.

  • The Georgia House and Senate bills were advanced on March 3, 2026.

The players

Ginny Ehrhart

A Republican state representative from Powder Springs who sponsored the bill creating a new felony charge for obstructing law enforcement with a vehicle.

Sam Park

The Democratic House Minority Whip who questioned Ehrhart about the bill.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in Georgia.”

— Ginny Ehrhart, State Representative (Georgia Recorder)

What’s next

The bills will now move to the opposite chamber for further consideration before potentially reaching the governor's desk.

The takeaway

These bills are part of a broader effort by Republican-led state legislatures to crack down on protests, which civil liberties advocates argue infringes on constitutionally protected rights to free speech and assembly.