Governor DeSantis today signed a new anti-riot bill into law in Florida, which he says is “strongest anti-rioting, pro-law enforcement piece of legislation” in the nation. Here’s a synopsis of what the law does via Election Wiz:
The bill, which covers 61 pages, makes several changes to Florida criminal and administrative law, and will:
- Make it more difficult for cities and counties to reduce funding for law enforcement, allowing local elected officials to challenge those budget decisions, and giving the state power to approve or amend the local budget
- Allow those local governments to be sued if they fail to stop a riot
- Define “riot” as a violent public disturbance involving 3 or more people acting with common intent resulting in injury to others, damage to property, or the imminent danger of injury or damage
- Enhance penalties for people who commit crimes during a riot
- Create a new second-degree felony called an “aggravated riot,” which occurs when the riot has more than 25 participants, causes great bodily harm or more than $5,000 in property damage, uses or threatens to use a deadly weapon, or blocks roadways by force or threat of force
According to the Daily Mail, it also “gives civil immunity to people who drive into protesters who have blocked roads and also prevents those who have been charged in relation to a riot from being released on bail until after their first court appearance.”
When introducing the new anti-rioting law today, Governor DeSantis had Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd explain the new law to everyone and it was…in a word…badass. He basically explained what would be allowed in Florida and what would NOT be allowed, using photos ensure everyone understands the difference between peaceful protests and illegal rioting:
Governor DeSantis also highlighted a few things about the new law, including how it prevents any defunding of law enforcement in the state and how local governments will be held accountable if they fail to stop these riots: