Earlier today, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed anti-riot legislation into law. HB 1 was proposed in response to the civil unrest experienced across the country over the past year. The legislation was a top priority of Senate President Wilton Simpson and House Speaker Chris Sprowls for the 2021 Legislative Session.
Today, surrounded by our state’s law enforcement community, I proudly signed HB 1 into law, which makes clear that rioting and violence have absolutely no place in Florida and provides protections for the brave men and women who keep our communities safe. pic.twitter.com/ULs6cx8xzy
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 19, 2021
I want to thank President @WiltonSimpson, Speaker @ChrisSprowls, @DannyBurgessFL, @RepJuanFBarquin, @kellistargel, @Daniel_PerezFL, Rep. Cord Byrd and the Florida House and Senate for passing this legislation for the good of our state and for those we serve.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 19, 2021
As reported by Florida Politics:
HB 1 stiffens penalties against violent protest, including so-called “mob intimidation.”
“You’re going to be held accountable,” DeSantis said.
Arguably DeSantis’ signature bill this Legislative Session, the legislation requires those arrested for street violence to stay in jail until first appearance, and also protects police budgets from cuts by allowing local lawmakers to appeal proposed reductions to the Governor and his Cabinet.
Under the law, state attorneys and members of governing bodies who object to reducing operational budgets of municipal law enforcement agencies can appeal to the state Administration Commission, made up of the Governor, the Attorney General, the Chief Financial Officer and the Agriculture Commissioner.
“This bill actually prevents against local government defunding law enforcement. We’ll be able to stop it at the state level,” DeSantis said. “It’s an insane theory. It’s not going to be allowed to ever carry the day in the state of Florida.”
The bill is being enacted at a poignant time. Just this weekend, Minnesota National Guardsmen were fired upon while activated due to public safety concerns surrounding the Derek Chauvin Trial. The unrest over the trial and other recent police-involved shootings has extended to several major cities including the nation's capital.
#BLM protesters damaged the Columbus Fountain in front of the Union Station in Washington DC using fireworks and spray paint. They then attacked responding police. pic.twitter.com/PRXPNqvw46
— Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) April 18, 2021
At HB 1's signing, Governor DeSantis and other state leaders made it clear that such behavior is not welcome in Florida.
I am so proud to stand here today and say that we will protect your business, we will protect your safety, and we will not allow for lawlessness here in the state of Florida. Thank you, @GovRonDeSantis, for signing HB 1 into law! https://t.co/OEaO7vsBQn
— Chris Sprowls (@ChrisSprowls) April 19, 2021
We ask officers to take an oath to protect and serve. We in turn have a responsibility to protect them as they ensure order and safety.
— AG Ashley Moody (@AGAshleyMoody) April 19, 2021
Thank you, @GovRonDeSantis and Florida legislative leaders, for taking steps to prevent violence, destruction and looting in our great state. https://t.co/vYhzdftV2W
.@GovRonDeSantis has done it again. As citizens and businesses flee states like California and New York for sunny Florida, the Governor has fired off another message to the rest of the world that Florida will put the safety of its citizens first and foremost. #HB1 #BackTheBlue pic.twitter.com/mgfnmS7qgI
— Jimmy Patronis (@JimmyPatronis) April 19, 2021
While Democrats want to defund the police, DeSantis and Republican leaders fund the police and stop rioters.