Assembly Member Pacheco's proposal to amend California's court obstruction laws would extend existing protections against picketing and parading beyond courthouse buildings to include the residences and other buildings used by judges, jurors, witnesses, and court officers.

Under current law, picketing or parading near state courthouses with intent to interfere with justice administration or influence judicial officers constitutes a misdemeanor offense. The proposed amendment maintains this misdemeanor classification while expanding the protected locations. The prohibition would apply when such activities are conducted with the intent to obstruct justice or influence individuals in performing their judicial duties.

The measure creates a new state-mandated local program by establishing additional enforcement responsibilities. However, the bill specifies that local agencies will not require state reimbursement for implementation costs, as the changes fall under existing constitutional provisions regarding the modification of criminal offenses.