49-31-29. Intentional refusal to relinquish party line in emergency as misdemeanor.

Any person who intentionally refuses to immediately relinquish a party line when informed that such line is needed for an emergency call actually existing as defined in subdivision 49-31-28(2), to a fire department, to a law enforcement officer or department, for medical aid or for ambulance service, is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 1959, ch 49, § 2; SDC Supp 1960, § 13.1628; SL 1983, ch 15, § 119.

49-31-29.1. "Communication device" and "emergency" defined.

Terms used in §§ 49-31-29.1 and 49-31-29.2 mean:

(1)    "Communication device," any device, including a telephone, cellular telephone, computer, or radio which may be used in an attempt to summon law enforcement, fire department, medical, or other emergency personnel;

(2)    "Emergency," any situation in which human health or safety is in imminent danger.

Source: SL 2002, ch 214, § 1.

49-31-29.2. Interference with emergency communication--Violation a misdemeanor.

If a person is attempting to summon aid to an emergency or has communicated a desire to summon aid to an emergency, no person may prohibit or interrupt, or attempt to prohibit or interrupt, another person's use of a communication device by either of the following:

(1)    Using or threatening to use physical force, intimidation, interference, or any other form of violence; or

(2)    Destroying, disabling, or damaging a communication device.

A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 2002, ch 214, § 2.