RADIO | Rep. Joshua Penner bill targets drivers who ignore flood barriers, endanger first responders

January 26, 2026

At the state Capitol, lawmakers are moving to crack down on drivers who ignore road closure barricades during floods and emergencies — a decision supporters say puts already stretched first responders at serious risk. John Sattgast reports.

SATTGAST: A bill from Republican Representative Joshua Penner of Orting just passed the House Community Safety Committee. Penner says he saw the problem firsthand during historic flooding in Pierce County last month, when emergency crews were forced into dangerous rescues that could have been avoided.

PENNER: “And we ended up having, several dozen swift water rescue events between Orting and South Prairie. And I saw the stress on our first responders’ faces with these emergency responses — the preventable ones.”

SATTGAST: Penner says every time drivers go around barricades, crews are pulled away from managing rivers, evacuations, and other life-threatening emergencies.

PENNER: “And there was one particular situation where first responders nearly capsized in rescuing folks.”

SATTGAST: The bill creates the offense of reckless interference with emergency operations, allowing penalties and cost recovery when drivers ignore closures and force rescues. The measure could soon head to the House floor for a full vote.

John Sattgast, the state Capitol.