Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an “anti-riot” bill into law Monday that increases penalties for unruly protesters and requires cities to receive state approval before cutting police budgets.
April 19 (UPI) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed an “anti-riot” bill into law, increasing penalties for people who participate in unruly protests. The measure, which goes into effect immediately, increases the charge for protesters who destroy historical structures such as flags and memorials, raises the charge for battery on a police officer to a minimum of six months in jail and bars protesters arrested during a riot from posting bail until after their first court date. It also grants civil legal immunity to individuals who drive through roads blocked off by protesters and makes blocking a highway a felony offense.
