Florida passes bill to crack down on riots, but critics warn it threatens peaceful protest
CNN
The Florida legislature passed legislation that its backers say aims to crack down on riots and property damage, but the bill's opponents argue it will have a chilling effect on peaceful protests and is a threat to free speech.
House Bill 1, titled "Combating Public Disorder," will increase penalties for assault, battery, burglary and theft, and battery against a law enforcement officer during a riot, and prohibits the damaging or defacing of memorials or historic property. The bill now heads to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' desk for his signature after the Republican-led Florida Senate approved the bill Thursday on a near party line vote of 23-17. The bill had passed the GOP-majority Florida House in late March.More Related News
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