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.