Florida governor signs "anti-rioting, pro-law enforcement" bill into law amid nationwide protests

Florida has adopted a law that its governor calls the "strongest anti-rioting, pro-law enforcement measure in the country" but that critics say infringes on First Amendment rights. The controversial legislation was signed as the nation awaits a verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd, which sparked nationwide unrest. 

The Combating Public Disorder bill, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday, was written in response to mass protests against police brutality. While the vast majority of protests remained peaceful, the law seeks to crack down on rioters.  The law brings new protections for police officers and puts "an end to the bullying and intimidation tactics of the radical left," DeSantis said. It allows for an appeal if a municipality tries to reduce its police budget.