The governor of Florida has signed an anti-riot bill into law

The governor of Florida has signed an Anti-riot bill into law

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the HB1 “anti-riot” bill into law on Monday. Individuals that take part in violent demonstrations face harsher punishments under the new legislation, which takes effect immediately. Violent demonstrators will also be convicted and charged with a third-degree crime, punishable by up to five years in jail and the loss of voting rights.

The local elected officials would be able to appeal spending decisions to the governor's office, making it more difficult for cities and counties to cut funding for law enforcement. The Governor's Office will hold a budget hearing to consider the situation and will present its findings and recommendations to the Administration Commission, which will have the authority to "approve, change, or adjust the municipality's budget." The budget will be final until it has been approved, revised, or changed by the Administration Commission.

Municipalities must also “allow the municipal law enforcement agency to act adequately to protect persons and property during a riot or unlawful assembly based on the availability of sufficient resources to its municipal law enforcement officers and applicable state and federal laws,” according to the law. Municipalities that hinder law enforcement response could face civil penalties under the new law.

Micah Kubic, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, issued a statement after HB 1 passed the Florida Senate last Thursday, calling it "racist, illegal, and anti-democratic." In addition, he confirmed that he believes "Gov. In a direct assault on the First Amendment and at the expense of Black and Brown people, DeSantis and other legislators want to shut down political expression they disagree with. Finally, Kubic described the bill as a “shame on our state.”