Ron DeSantis’ staff said Thursday that he will approve an "anti-riot" bill that would impose harsher criminal penalties on violent protesters once finalized. It would also hold local governments civilly liable if they interfere with law enforcement efforts to respond to riots. The bill passed the Senate despite vocal opposition from Democrats and civil rights groups who argued it was an infringement on the First Amendment. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPCritics accused DeSantis and other Republicans of attempting to stifle peaceful dissent. The GOP-controlled state Senate rejected a number of amendments that would have narrowed the bill’s scope and enacted stricter penalties for police officers who harm protestors.

Source: Fox News April 16, 2021 00:11 UTC