Georgia Proposes Felony Charges for Obstructing Police with Vehicles

The legislation aims to prevent incidents like the Renee Good case, but critics say it could hinder the right to protest.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Georgia lawmakers are proposing a bill that would make it a felony to use a vehicle to obstruct police operations, citing a pattern of dangerous confrontations across the nation. The legislation, introduced by state Rep. Ginny Ehrhart, is seen as a response to the case of Renee Good, a progressive activist who was shot in the face after ramming her car into an ICE agent. While supporters say the bill is meant to enhance public safety, critics argue it could infringe on the right to protest.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation in Georgia is part of a broader debate over the balance between public safety and civil liberties. Supporters argue that confrontations between police and drivers pose serious risks, while critics contend the bill could be used to suppress legitimate protests. The case of Renee Good, in which a progressive activist was shot after using her car to obstruct law enforcement, has become a flashpoint in this ongoing discussion.

The details

The current law in Georgia already allows for felony charges if a vehicle is used as a weapon to harm or kill someone. However, the new bill, House Bill 1076, would go further by making any obstruction of police operations using a vehicle a felony, even if the vehicle is stationary. Supporters, like Rep. Ginny Ehrhart, say the goal is to deter these confrontations from happening in the first place by imposing harsh penalties.

  • Renee Good was shot in the face on January 7 in Minneapolis after using her car to ram an ICE agent.
  • The Georgia bill, House Bill 1076, was introduced in the state legislature in February 2026.

The players

Renee Good

A progressive left-wing activist who was shot in the face after using her car to ram into an ICE agent during a confrontation in Minneapolis.

Ginny Ehrhart

A state representative in Georgia who introduced the bill to make it a felony to use a vehicle to obstruct police operations.

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What they’re saying

“Confrontations between police and drivers are dangerous to begin with, and my goal is to make the penalties so high that it prevents them from happening in the first place.”

— Ginny Ehrhart, State Representative (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

What’s next

The Georgia bill, House Bill 1076, will now proceed through the state legislative process, where it will be debated and potentially amended before a final vote.

The takeaway

The proposed legislation in Georgia highlights the ongoing tension between public safety concerns and the right to protest. While supporters argue the bill is necessary to deter dangerous confrontations, critics contend it could be used to suppress legitimate forms of civil disobedience. This debate is likely to continue as lawmakers grapple with balancing these competing interests.