Utah Bill May Exonerate Some Who Injure Protesters

A Utah state representative has proposed a bill that may exonerate drivers who accidentally kill or injure protesters while fleeing in fear for his or her life. The legislation advanced by Republican Rep. Jon Hawkins Tuesday would also make obstructing traffic during a riot into a third-degree felony. The bill applies to drivers fleeing from a riot “under a reasonable belief” that he or she is in danger of serious injury or death. State statute considers a riot to be a group of people who are engaging in “tumultuous or violent conduct” that can cause public alarm.