Posted on 04/16/2021 1:30:09 PM PDT by Hojczyk
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ (R-FL) staff members said Thursday he is set to approve an “anti-riot” bill that will impose more severe criminal penalties on violent protesters after it is finalized.
The governor unveiled the proposal in September and advocated for its passage while protests devolved into violence and looting “This legislation strikes the appropriate balance of safeguarding every Floridian’s constitutional right to peacefully assemble while ensuring that those who hide behind peaceful protest to cause violence in our communities will be punished,” his office said.
“Further, this legislation ensures that no community in the state engages in defunding of their police,” it continued.
Reporter Forrest Saunders tweeted a photo of DeSantis’ statement, writing, “His staff saying he looks forward to signing the bill into law”:
The Fox report continued:
Aside from the enhanced criminal penalties for acts of violence during a riot, the bill contains a measure requiring state approval for any change to a municipal budget that would reduce funding for police. The clause was a response to calls to “defund the police” after the death of George Floyd last May. HB 1 institutes a felony charge for the destruction of a memorial, flag or other historical structure. It would also hold local governments civilly liable if they interfere with law enforcement efforts to respond to riots.
“Rights have limits, and violence is where the line is drawn,” Republican Sen. Danny Burgess told the Associated Press (AP). “This bill is about preventing violence.”
In regard to those involved in violence, DeSantis said in September, “These are people that will come from all across the country. If there’s any type of issue, they all of a sudden show up in all these places.”
“We’re gonna figure out who’s organizing and who’s funding that and hold them accountable,” he concluded.
(Excerpt) Read more at breitbart.com ...
The parts of the bill (HB 1 ) that most upset Democrats grant civil legal immunity to people who drive through protesters blocking a road; prevent people arrested for rioting or offenses committed during a riot from bailing out of jail until their first court appearance; and impose a six-month mandatory sentence for battery on a police officer during a riot.
DeSantis, when he unveiled the proposal, emphasized the need to prevent bail for rioters, so they aren’t able to rejoin the unrest.
Cities and counties would also be civilly liable for damages caused during a riot if they don’t restrain police from quelling the disturbance.
A new crime of “mob intimidation,” defined as three or more people “acting with a common intent” forcing or threatening to force another person from taking a viewpoint against their will, is created by the bill. It is punishable as a first-degree misdemeanor, and bail is denied until first court appearance for anyone charged with the crime.
That provision is in response to videos last summer of protestors of police violence menacing people eating at outdoor restaurants.
Memorials, statutes and historic property, including Confederate monuments, a target of some protesters last year, would be protected under the bill since it would require restitution for repairs. The bill also increases penalties for assault, battery, burglary and theft during a riot.
After the vote, Farmer and several other Democratic senators donned black shirts to mourn what they called the death of the First Amendment.
YEAH!!! THAT’S MY GOVERNOR!!
I sure like this guy!
DeSantis is a great Gov.
We have Gov Grabbit.
Not dependable to do the conservative, America First thing, sadly.
Oh? A law against rioting? And it will be obeyed?
There’s literally a billboard on the Southside of Tallahassee about a mile from the Capitol that says this bill is like “Jim Crow” laws. LOL.
‘If you value your life, don’t come to Polk County’: Sheriff Judd warns rioters, looters
“If you try to break into their homes, to steal, to set fires, I’m highly recommending they blow you back out of their house with their guns.”
But yet dummies still do that.
Try reading the article.
Left out of the excerpt:
The third new crime is cyberintimidation by publication, sometimes called “doxxing.”
It prohibits a person from electronically publishing another person’s personal identification information with the intent to incite violence or commit a crime against the person or threaten or harass the person, placing the other person in reasonable fear of bodily harm.
BTTT!
The law gives the rest of us power to stand up to the thugs.. no one expects rioters to follow the law.
“Oh? A law against rioting? And it will be obeyed?”
None of this will matter at all if the DA won’t procecute or pleas it down to unlawful assembly. Or the judge goes for time served.
Sarcasm.
That’s my sheriff!!!!
If I was guessing, I’d say it was on Monroe street towards the direction of Florida A&M.
Antifa and BLM don’t really tear up the states that allow guns.... Wonder why?????
You are so fortunate. I wish there were many more like him. I would vote for him in a heartbeat if he were to run for POTUS.
Hear HEAR
Mine too
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