Florida has approved an “anti-riot” bill that gives harsher penalties to protesters.
The bill, passed by the state’s Republican-controlled legislature , includes stiffer punishment for crimes committed during a riot or violent protest. It would allow authorities to hold arrested protesters until a first court appearance, and it would establish new felonies for organizing or participating in a violent demonstration.
The proposal would make it a second-degree felony to destroy or demolish a memorial, plaque, flag, painting, structure or other object that commemorates historical people or events. That would be punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
It would also strip local governments of civil liability protections if they interfere with law enforcement’s efforts to respond to a violent protest, and adds language to state law that could force local governments to justify a reduction in law enforcement budgets.