25-Foot Police Buffer Laws, Like Florida's, Blocked in Two States
Unconstitutionally Vague in Louisiana and Indiana.

A federal judge in Louisina just blocked a state law that would have kept people taking cellphone videos at least 25 feet away from police “engaged in the lawful performance of a legal duty.”
The blocked Louisiana measure is a lot like the Florida Halo law, effective on January 1, which also creates a 25-foot buffer around first responders who order civilians to step back.
Judge John deGravelles held that the law violated the Fourteeth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution because it was too vague, failing to specify what behavior by journalists or the public justified having them step back.
“It is not a crime to stand within 25 feet of a police officer, and yet the Act gives an officer unfettered and standardless discretion to make it a crime merely by ordering retreat even when there is no conduct that justifies such an order,” deGravelles wrote in an opinion issued Friday.
The Louisiana decision echoes a ruling handed down last year by a federal judge in Indiana, who found that state’s buffer law was also unconstitutionally vague.
Both challenges were spearheaded by Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, representing coalitions of news organizations.
“Laws like this, which bar reporters and the public from getting close enough to document police officers’ public duties, are clearly unconstitutional, and we’re glad the court blocked this statute’s enforcement,” Reporters Committee Staff Attorney Grayson Clary said. “This ruling will help ensure that journalists can continue to inform communities across the state about their public servants.”
The charge is a misdemeanor. Violators face the same punishment in both Louisiana and Florida—60 days in jail or a $500 fine.
Florida supporters for the Halo law argued that the 25-foot buffer zone enhances safety, reduces distractions and protects first responders from threats, harassment and physical interference during stressful situations.
There has been no reported legal challenge to the Florida Halo law.