Florida lost the first round in their battle to impose criminal penalties for protesters after they argued those bringing the suit had no standing and the legal issues weren’t in play as yet. Those challenging the law argued that the law was overbroad and could criminalize someone who is merely present where violence or property destruction occurs. (Tallahassee Democrat, August 12, 2021, by Dara Kam of News Service of Florida)
The law HB 1 establishes two classifications for protests, “mob intimidation” penalized by a year in jail or “riot” with a penalty of 15 years behind bars. Protesters cannot post bail until after a court appearance, and the law protects drivers killing or injuring protesters with vehicles. (ABC News, August 7, 2021, by Lalee Ibssa)