Kansas City changes its 'failure to obey' laws after settling lawsuit with arrested protesters

Three people who were arrested in the protests following the police killing of George Floyd in 2020 sued the city. The lawsuit alleged that the laws were unconstitutional.
Kansas City has agreed to settle a federal lawsuit filed by three women arrested during the protests against police violence two years ago. The suit alleged the city’s “failure to obey” ordinances were unconstitutional.

Terms of the settlement required the Kansas City Council to propose amendments to its failure to obey laws so that witnessing or recording the actions of police officers are not a violation of city law unless the offender is substantially impeding the officer’s duties.

On Thursday, the council voted 9-1 to pass the ordinance. Third District-at-large Councilman Brandon Ellington cast the sole no vote.