Obstructing governmental operations

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  1. (a) A person commits the offense of obstructing governmental operations if the person:

    1. (1) Knowingly obstructs, impairs, or hinders the performance of any governmental function;

    2. (2) Knowingly refuses to provide information requested by an employee of a governmental agency relating to the investigation of a case brought under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 651 et seq., and is the physical custodian of the child in the case;

    3. (3) Fails to submit to court-ordered scientific testing by a noninvasive procedure to determine the paternity of a child in a case brought under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 651 et seq.; or

    4. (4) Falsely identifies himself or herself to a law enforcement officer or a code enforcement officer.

  2. (b)

    1. (1) Obstructing governmental operations by using or threatening to use physical force is a Class A misdemeanor.

    2. (2) A second or subsequent offense of obstructing governmental operations under subdivision (a)(4) of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

    3. (3) Otherwise, obstructing governmental operations is a Class C misdemeanor.

  3. (c) This section does not apply to:

    1. (1) Unlawful flight by a person charged with an offense;

    2. (2) Refusal to submit to arrest;

    3. (3) Any means of avoiding compliance with the law not involving affirmative interference with a governmental function unless specifically set forth in this section; or

    4. (4) Obstruction, impairment, or hindrance of what a person reasonably believes is a public servant's unlawful action.

  4. (d)

    1. (1) As used in this section, “code enforcement officer” means an individual charged with the duty of enforcing a municipal code, municipal ordinance, or municipal regulation as defined by a municipal code, municipal ordinance, or municipal regulation.

    2. (2) “Code enforcement officer” includes a municipal animal control officer.


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