DeSantis signs controversial โanti-riotโ bill into law
Joined by Florida Republican lawmakers and representatives from law enforcement agencies around the state, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday morning signed into law the controversial so-called anti-riot bill that aims to address protests that turn violent.
Florida House debates โanti-riotโ legislation
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. โ The Florida House on Thursday began debating legislation that aims to crack down on violent protests. Democrats proposed adding five amendments to House Bill 1 in an effort to water down the bill, which critics say will impose on peopleโs rights to peacefully protest. The legislation was written in response to the burning of buildings in the Tampa Bay area in June and windows smashed in Tallahassee, among violent unrest elsewhere in the state. It protects police officers who are there protecting against violent protests,โ House Speaker Chris Sprowls said of the bill. Opponents claim the legislation will stifle peaceful protests, a criticism Sprowls took issue with.
Community groups opposed to โanti-mobโ bill want to hear from Jacksonvilleโs mayor
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Community organizations rallied Saturday at Jacksonvilleโs City Hall, calling on city leaders to speak out against โanti-mobโ legislation proposed by Gov. Itโs an ongoing fight over House Bill 1, which would increase penalties for violent protests in Florida. Organizations against its passing say they need to hear where city leaders stand on this. RELATED: Jacksonville Mayor: Violent demonstrators โdo not represent our cityโThe controversial proposal is pitting those who people believe First Amendment rights are being threatened against others who believe the increased penalties are a way to combat public disorder. And those who organized or funded violent protests would be treated as members of an organized crime group.
Dozens protest โanti-mobโ bill proposed in Florida
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Dozens of people gathered Saturday at the Duval County Courthouse to protest House Bill 1. The proposed bill would increase the penalties for violent protests in Florida. RELATED: Civil rights advocates blast โanti-mobโ proposal in FloridaThe Chicago group has been to Florida to protest before, and they say even if this bill is passed, theyโll do it again. We are not going to give them any more power.โAdDozens gathered to protest an 'anti-mob' bill being proposed in Florida. Democratic State Rep. Angie Nixon is developing a house bill to combat House Bill 1, which prohibits the use of military tactics from the police during protests.
Civil rights advocates blast โanti-mobโ proposal in Florida
Those who organized or funded โviolentโ protests would be treated as members of organized crime syndicates. Civil rights advocates say this bill is blatantly unconstitutional, violating First Amendment rights. โThe League of Women Voters of Florida strongly believes that this piece of legislation politicizes the right to protest and disregards the protections provided by the First Amendment. One cannot stand for freedom or liberty if you oppose free speech,โ President of the Women Voters of Florida Patricia Brigham said. The Florida Republican leaders have also pointed to the attack in Washington, D.C. to bolster the justification for a crackdown on violent protests.