SC considers buffer law to protect on-duty first responders. Similar laws have been thrown out.

By: Jessica Holdman

Outlets: South Carolina Daily Gazette

Published: February 25, 2026

Words: 1,597

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 1 day ago

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COLUMBIA — Police could arrest anyone who, after being ordered to stay back, comes within 25 feet of on-duty law enforcement or medical personnel under a proposal advancing in the South Carolina House.

Similar laws passed in other states have yet to survive a legal challenge on First Amendment grounds. That didn’t dissuade the House Judiciary Committee from sending the legislation Tuesday to the House floor on a 15-4 vote. Six legislators didn’t vote. All …

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