Kansas lawmakers conjure up a fresh crime: approaching first responders. Good luck, journalists!

By: Clay Wirestone

Outlets: Kansas Reflector

Published: March 16, 2026

Words: 1,367

Last Updated: 4 months, 3 weeks ago

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The House Federal and State Affairs Committee will consider a bill Monday that bans broad swaths of Kansas news reporting.

Oh, how I wish I were joking.

Senate Bill 452 creates a new criminal offense that authorities can use to prosecute journalists: “unlawful approach of a first responder.” That means, according to the bill text, coming within 25 feet of said first responders while on the job. The proposed law includes conditions — such …

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