DeSantis and other Republicans say the bill cracks down on violent protests, but Democrats and civil-rights groups argue it will infringe on First Amendment rights.
Takeaways from Tallahassee â Safety first
Safety first
While you might not know what EHS means, the profession and its functions in the workplace have been front-and-center for the past year.Â
The acronym stands for Environment, Health and Safety and covers everything from slip-and-falls to forklift accidents, carpal tunnel to workplace violence.Â
Before the COVID-19 crisis, The Florida Chamber had created a group designed to help propel the state to become one of the safest, healthiest, and most sustainable in the nation. The pandemic and its impact on every business in Florida highlight the critical importance of EHSâs purpose.
âThe Florida Chamber Safety Council tapped into Floridaâs leading companies and their safety leaders to create an Advisory Board that is an incubator of research, leadership and education, and provides resources, tools and best practices for small to mid-sized businesses that often do not have full-time safety, health and susta
Controversial Florida anti-riot bill now awaits governor decision winknews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from winknews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Florida Senate signs off on controversial protest bill
Published
Justin Matthews reports
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Republican lawmakers handed Gov. Ron DeSantis one of his top legislative priorities Thursday, with the Florida Senate giving final passage to a contentious law-and-order measure spawned by nationwide protests after last year’s death of George Floyd.
The sweeping proposal, titled Combating Public Disorder, would create a new crime of mob intimidation, enhance penalties for riot-related looting and violence and create an affirmative defense for individuals who injure or kill violent protesters.
The Senate devoted nearly three hours Thursday to an emotionally charged debate on the measure (HB 1), with a single Republican - Jeff Brandes of St. Petersburg - ultimately crossing party lines and joining Democrats in voting against the bill.
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The GOP-led Florida Senate passed legislation on Thursday that would increase penalties on rioters at a time of high tension around the country following the police shooting death of Daunte Wright in Minnesota.
The bill, approved in a 23-17 vote, would also make it harder for local governments to strip funding from law enforcement, in addition to upping penalties on those who commit crimes during a riot. The legislation passed the House by a party-line vote last month and now heads to the desk of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who supports the so-called anti-riot bill.
Florida state Sen. Danny Burgess said he felt it was necessary to hold rioters more accountable as the country continues to see high levels of protest activity that sometimes leads to violence.