Obstructing government operations

18-8-102. Obstructing government operations. (1) (a) A person commits obstructing government operations if the person intentionally obstructs, impairs, or hinders the performance of a governmental function by a public servant by using or threatening to use violence, force, or physical interference or obstacle. (b) A person commits obstructing government operations if the person repeatedly contacts or calls a public safety emergency call center or public safety entity and the contact or call is not for the legitimate reporting of a public safety concern, to report an emergency, or to seek assistance. (2) It shall be an affirmative defense that: (a) The obstruction, impairment, or hindrance was of unlawful action by a public servant; or (b) The obstruction, impairment, or hindrance was of the making of an arrest; or (c) The obstruction, impairment, or hindrance of a governmental function was by lawful activities in connection with a labor dispute with the government. (3) Obstructing government operations is a class 2 misdemeanor. Source: L. 71: R&RE, p. 453, � 1. C.R.S. 1963: � 40-8-102. L. 73: p. 538, � 5. L. 2022: (3) amended, (HB 22-1229), ch. 68, p. 345, � 27, effective March 1. L. 2025: (1) amended, (SB 25-060), ch. 74, p. 318, � 2, effective October 1. Editor's note: Section 47 of chapter 68 (HB 22-1229), Session Laws of Colorado 2022, provides that the act amending subsection (3) is effective March 1, 2022, but the governor did not approve the act until April 7, 2022. Cross references: For impeding any public official in the lawful performance of his or her duties or activities, see � 18-9-110.