The Arizona Legislature has passed a bill prompted by protesters who blocked roads before a March rally for Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump.
House Bill 2548 increases the penalties protesters can receive for intentionally blocking access to a political campaign event or a government meeting or hearing. The maximum penalty was 30 days and will increase to six months in jail if signed by Gov. Doug Ducey.
Republican Sen. John Kavanagh of Fountain Hills tacked the provision onto a measure about free speech on college campuses last month.
Kavanagh called the behavior "corrosive to democracy." Opponents say lawmakers should not criminalize the act of civil disobedience.
The House passed the bill early Saturday. The Senate gave its approval Friday.
