Republicans want jail time for protesters who block highways

ST. PAUL— In the past year, demonstrators have snarled Twin Cities traffic during several protests over police shootings.

Protests related to employee wages and the results of the presidential election have also blocked traffic.

This week, House and Senate committees advanced a bill that would make blocking highway traffic, airport access or public transit a gross misdemeanor, which requires jail time.

Rep. Nick Zerwas, R-Elk River, who's sponsoring the House bill, said some people wrongly believe that they have a right to shut down freeways.

Read more: http://www.postbulletin.com/news/state/republicans-want-jail-time-for-protesters-who-block-highways/article_ab36fb3c-5e04-5498-aac2-57759bae1312.html