My witnesses wrote my oral testimony.

Maryland law already makes it a crime to obstruct or impede the administration of justice in a state court by threat, force, or corrupt means.

Prompted by the mob that attacked the Congress on January 6, I introduced House Bill 427 to extend that law to the executive and legislative branches.

The Maryland State Bar Associated wrote that free speech or civil disobedience would be unaffected because a threat of force or other corrupt means would be required.

Truly legitimate political discourse would not be criminalized.

The Maryland State Prosecutor referenced the federal criminal law that covers all three branches.

The Maryland Association of Counties proposed an amendment to broaden the bill to all three branches of county government.

I made each of these points when I testified before the House Judiciary Committee this afternoon.

I will make these arguments again when I lobby the members of the committee.