Late last year, protesters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza sat down across the southbound 110 Freeway, shutting the heavily congested thoroughfare during the middle of morning rush hour.

Many could argue in a world where so much is happening constantly, this is one of the few ways to truly get attention to a cause. Others could easily counter that such moves are illegal, inconvenient and highly dangerous. Now, the state Legislature is weighing in on the debate.

Republican Assemblymember Kate Sanchez, who represents the 71st District, has introduced Assembly Bill 2742. The bill would increase the penalties for those blocking the freeway and preventing emergency vehicles from passing to $200. If cited multiple times within a three-year time span, the fines could reach as much as $1,000. 

“It is only a matter of time before some innocent person dies as a result of these highway blockings,” Sanchez told her colleagues, many of whom were convinced. Considering the legislation a week after demonstrators shut down the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the bill was approved by the Assembly Transportation Committee with support from four Democrats. 

Some critics believe that a $200 fine wouldn’t be enough to deter protesters. Assemblymember Lori Wilson, who chairs the transportation committee, said the bill is “unnecessary and ultimately will not solve the problem.”

Sanchez counters this is another example of leaders in Sacramento being soft on crime and added that passage of the bill would lead to a better sense of balance.