Anti-Rioting Bill

The law enhances penalties and creates new crimes in protests that turn violent.

Judith Scully, a Stetson University law professor, racial justice advocate, and a critic of the law, tells WUSF's Daylina Miller how the law came about and the effect it's already having.

A federal judge said that the law, championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, amounted to an assault on First Amendment rights of free speech and assembly as well as the Constitution's due process protections.

He said the bill was an assault on First Amendment rights of free speech and assembly.

While legal complaints and court decisions often hinge on interpretations of wording in laws, it’s rare for judges to order lawyers to parse statutes, according to veteran Tallahassee attorney Mark Herron.

It's part of a proposal DeSantis said he will present to the Florida Legislature for consideration during its upcoming session.

The groups challenging the law argued that a definition of “riot” in the measure is vague and overbroad.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said recent demonstrations across the state did not violate the new anti-rioting law but noted that blocking roads was illegal in Florida before the bill was signed.

With demonstrations of support for protesters in Cuba happening in Florida, there is some worry about if — and how — HB 1 will affect those participating.

The proposal is a compromise between the Legislative Black Caucus and Republicans, and comes after high-profile deaths of Black Americans by law enforcement.

Mayor Jane Castor established a task force last year in an attempt to change the Tampa Police Department by improving relations with the public, as well as beginning changes to police training.

A single Republican, Sen. Jeff Brandes of St. Petersburg, crossed party lines and joining Democrats in voting against the bill.