A bill introduced because of Dakota Access Pipeline protesters blocking highways has failed in the House.
The bill said a driver who “unintentionally” causes injury or death to a person intentionally blocking a roadway would not be charged.
One of the measure’s co-sponsors – Rep. Mike Brandenburg (R-Edgeley) -- said things have changed in the state since the Dakota Access protests began. Brandenburg told his House colleagues the protesters have blocked roads, pounded on cars trying to get through, and they're scaring people.
"Why should little kids have to have nightmares of idiots in masks pounding on windows, pounding on the hood, riding on the hood, and not letting people through on a rod that's supposed to have a speed of 55 miles an hour," Brandenburg argued.
But Rep. Marvin Nelson (D-Rolla) said the bill is an over-reaction to the protest – and could have unintended consequences.
"Imagine if somebody plowed through a parade next year," Nelson said. "And then it was, 'Oh -- we can't charge this person with manslaughter or anything else because we passed this protest bill.'"
The bill failed on a 50 to 41 vote.
