New York bill would make it a felony to annoy a police officer

A bill making its way through the New York state legislature would make it a crime to annoy a police officer by subjecting them to physical contact.

The New York State Senate on Wednesday passed the bill that would make it a felony to "harass, annoy, threaten or alarm" an on-duty police officer, WIVB.com reported.

State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-Rome, told the station that individuals who harass police officers "create situations that can lead to injuries" and "deserve to pay a price for their actions."

Under the bill, which will now move to the state Assembly, anyone found guilty could face up to four years in prison, the station reported.

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