Florida is on track to enact an “anti-riot” law requiring state approval, among other things, for cuts in city police budgets.
The bill passed largely along partisan lines in the state Senate on Thursday in a vote of 23-17 and has already passed by the state house by 76-39 votes. reported the Orlando Sentinel.
The bill says a city cannot cut its police budget without state approval. It also raises charges for protesters destroying historic buildings, including flags and memorials, to a felony.
The bill also grants civil legal immunity to people driving on roads that block protesters when in danger, and prohibits protesters arrested in a riot from paying bail until after their first court date.
The provision to defer bail is to ensure that a protester does not rejoin the riot, Gov. Ron DeSantis
Ron DeSantis The Hill’s Morning Report – Presented By Tax March – US Vaccination Efforts Hit With Johnson & Johnson Pauses Florida Sewage Cistern To Close After Leak, DeSantis Says Republicans Should Stop Joe Biden’s Progressive Attack On America MORE (R) said when he unveiled the legislation in September.
The charge for a police officer’s battery during a riot was also increased to a mandatory six-month jail term, the state-owned company reported.
“This legislation strikes the right balance between ensuring the constitutional right of every Floridian to meet peacefully while ensuring that those who hide behind peaceful protest to cause violence in our communities will be punished,” said DeSantis. in a statement. “Furthermore, this legislation ensures that no community in the state is engaged in disbanding their police.”
DeSantis has been seeking an anti-riot law since September, after some protests against police brutality turned violent over the summer, and is expected to sign the bill shortly.
Democrats opposed the bill saying it was against the First Amendment, and some Democratic senators even wore black shirts after the vote to signal the death of the First Amendment.
The Texas Senate has taken an account On Tuesday, that would also only allow police budgets to be cut if voted on by the community.