Committee approves bill creating offense for intentionally disrupting worship services

A House committee adopted a substitute for House Bill 363 and gave the measure a favorable report, moving forward a proposal that would create a state criminal offense for intentionally disrupting a scheduled worship service on church property.

Representative Barnes, sponsor of the substitute, told the committee the measure "would establish the crime of disruption of church worship service" and explained the offense requires that an individual enter church property "with the intent to disrupt the worship service" and then engage in riot, disorderly conduct, harassment or obstruction of ingress or egress.

Members raised concerns about scope — whether the measure could criminalize in-service disputes among parishioners or emotionally charged meetings during church business. Katie Langer of the District Attorneys Association told the committee prosecutors must prove intent and that the statute, as drafted, requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt that a defendant came to disrupt the service. "If you're there visiting on a particular Sunday morning and yell heresy, that would not meet the elements of this statute because you have to come there with the intent to obstruct," Langer said.

Members also asked why the offense is charged as a felony; the DA representative said the substitute mirrors a federal statute and that the intent was to allow state prosecutors to bring charges if federal authorities do not. After debate the committee adopted the substitute and voted to report HB 363 favorably.

The transcript records committee adoption of the substitute by voice vote and no detailed sentencing or enforcement guidelines beyond references to felony classification and the elements of intent and conduct.