The law was passed in response to national protests demanding justice for the police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, the release stated. The law was passed despite that the fact that “the vast majority” of the protests were peaceful, the release said.
The law creates new criminal penalties against protesters and enhances criminal and civil penalties for various actions during protests, the release said.
The law also gives DeSantis the power to override any city’s decision to reduce a police department’s budget if the budget is appealed by a prosecutor, county or city commissioner, the release said.
Federal lawsuit challenging Florida anti-riot bill claims law targets Black protesters Frank Fernandez, The Daytona Beach News-Journal
Activists shout at lawmakers after subcommittee vote on anti-riot bill HB 1
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Several groups have joined to file a federal lawsuit on behalf of Black-led organizations challenging a recently enacted Florida law (H.B. 1) which the groups assert is intended to chill First Amendment rights.
The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund Inc., the ACLU of Florida, and the Community Justice Project filed the lawsuit in federal court in Tallahassee. The state Legislature passed so-called anti-riot bill in its recent session at the urging of Gov. Ron DeSantis, who championed the bill.
At a rally against HB1, the Combatting Public Disorder law that critics say will criminalize peaceful protests
With a Trumpian stroke of the Sharpie, DeSantis approves HB 1 and takes Florida into newly fascist territory
Surrounded by political allies and law officers last Monday at the Polk County Sheriff s Office, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed what was arguably the most controversial piece of legislation considered this session House Bill 1, dubbed by its Republican sponsors the Combating Public Disorder Act.
DeSantis swift action to sign the so-called anti-riot bill Monday was the culmination of months of the governor s efforts to solidify himself as an architect of law-and-order policies. DeSantis first laid out a framework for the legislation in September, long before the Senate gave final approval to the bill April 15 despite heart-rending objections from Black lawmakers.
Local law enforcement officers took part in a George Floyd march and rally in Daytona Beach in June 2020. DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
On April 19, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law that makes it illegal for protesters to riot, loot, burn or destroy buildings and property during or following a protest.
DeSantis called it, âThe strongest anti-rioting, pro-law enforcement bills in the country.â
The legislation was passed by the Florida Senate days this month and in the House in January.
On April 15, Equal Ground, a Florida voter education organization, held a State of the Legislature Zoom event to inform Volusia County residents on what legislation is in the works in Florida, including the anti-riot legislation.
DeSantis Signs Bill Giving Vehicle Drivers Civil Protections to Hit Protesters
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks to the media during a press conference at PortMiami on April 8, 2021, in Miami, Florida.
Joe Raedle / Getty Images
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Florida) signed a controversial bill into law on Monday that diminishes First Amendment speech and protesting rights. The bill increases civil penalties for those participating in demonstrations, potentially causing those engaged in uprisings or protests to lose their voting rights if they are convicted under its provisions.
The legislation, billed as an “anti-riot” measure by its Republican proponents, would create new crimes, including making “aggravated rioting” a felony and “mob intimidation” a misdemeanor. The latter makes it illegal for a group of three or more individuals to confront others and intimidate them into changing their views a provision that has the potential to be broadly interpreted, say critics.