Two bills we are watching are up for discussion this week: House Bill (HB) 601/Senate Bill (SB) 576 and SB 184.
Both of these bills have major impacts on our ability as Floridians to hold police accountable in cases of misconduct. Florida already ranks below the national average in Police Accountability, and this would plummet our state down the list even further. We also have some of the highest law enforcement budgets in the country- with Miami and Orlando ranking among the top 10 nationally.
HB 601/SB 576, sponsored by Rep. Wyman Duggan and Sen. Blaise Ingoglia
Florida has over 20 civilian or citizen review boards that work to establish trust and transparency between our communities and law enforcement. This bill would not only prohibit these boards from investigating complaints against law enforcement of misconduct or brutality but further preempt the ability of local governments to set a process for complaints against police. Click here to email your elected officials urging them to vote NO on HB 601/SB576!
SB 184, sponsored by Sen. Bryan Avila
Florida ranks higher than average when it comes to Police violence. This bill would make it easier for Florida residents to be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for “harassment” of first responders yet lacks definitive language and vaguely defines harassment as “causing substantial emotional distress”. It also fails to specify that recording a first responder (e.g. law enforcement) performing their duties does not constitute harassment. This bill has passed the Florida Senate UNANIMOUSLY. It will be heard in the Florida House next. Click HERE to email your State Representatives urging them to vote NO on SB 184!
“THE WORLD IS WATCHING”
This phrase became popularized again during the summer of 2020 after we watched the racist murder of George Floyd by Officer Derek Chauvin. The only way the world was able to pay witness to this historic injustice, and maybe the only way we would've been made aware, was because of the heroic acts of 17-year-old Darnella Frazier who courageously recorded George Floyd’s murder. As a result of that recording, the officers involved were all held accountable and convicted in court. SB 184 seeks to make heroic acts like hers illegal. Take action TODAY on HB 601/SB 576 and SB 188 to protect our right to hold police accountable in Florida
We have a responsibility to fight back against the attempts to legislate away our rights, our safety, and our futures. Contact your elected officials to vote NO. Talk with your loved ones and make sure they know how to take action, and if you’re unsure who your elected representatives are, find them here!
Source: Florida Rising