CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - Nevada unions say they're concerned with a proposed law making it more difficult to picket and protest businesses.
Republican Assemblywoman Michele Fiore presented AB 356 to the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee on Wednesday.
The bill would specifically forbid picketing on private property without permission and sets a misdemeanor penalty for disrupting or threatening businesses and their employees.
Fiore said the measure would help ensure civility for protesters and avoid tourists to Las Vegas being threatened or harassed.
Numerous labor groups testified against the bill and said it would set a chilling precedent against constitutionally protected free speech rights invoked by protesters. Nevada AFL-CIO head Danny Thompson said the measure would likely be challenged in court if passed.
The bill passed the Assembly on a 23-19 vote in April.
