CHAPTER 214

(HB 1224)

Interference with the use of a communication device
to summon emergency aid made a crime.

         ENTITLED, An Act to  prohibit interference with the use of communication devices to summon aid to an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA:

     Section  1.  Terms used in this Act mean:

             (1)    "Communication device," any device, including a telephone, cellular telephone, computer, or radio which may be used in an attempt to summon law enforcement, fire department, medical, or other emergency personnel;

             (2)    "Emergency," any situation in which human health or safety is in imminent danger.

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     Section  2.  If a person is attempting to summon aid to an emergency or has communicated a desire to summon aid to an emergency, no person may prohibit or interrupt, or attempt to prohibit or interrupt, another person's use of a communication device by either of the following:

             (1)    Using or threatening to use physical force, intimidation, interference, or any other form of violence; or

             (2)    Destroying, disabling, or damaging a communication device.

     A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

     Signed February 15, 2002.

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