Rep. Working On Bill To Up Penalty For Interfering With Paramedics

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- A Minnesota lawmaker says he plans to introduce a bill that would increase the penalties for interfering with emergency medical workers.

Republican state Rep. Pat Garofalo of Farmington said Tuesday he plans to introduce the "Public Safety Personnel Protection Act" during next year's legislative session.

Garofalo says in a statement that emergency responders "should not have to fear for their safety when responding to a medical emergency."

The announcement follows a police-involved shooting in north Minneapolis last month. Twenty-four-year-old Jamar Clark was fatally shot Nov. 15 during what authorities said was a struggle with two officers after he interfered with paramedics trying to help an assault victim. The shooting led to protests outside a Minneapolis police station.

Garofalo didn't immediately respond to a text seeking more information about his bill.

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