The Louisiana legislature on Monday passed a bill requiring onlookers to stand eight meters apart when observing police, and sent the bill to the governor’s desk.
The state legislature approved it by a vote of 67 to 32 House Bill 85The provision states that no one may intentionally approach a police officer if the officer orders them to stop approaching, and violators are subject to fines of up to $500 and imprisonment of up to 60 days. . The bill passed the state Senate on Monday and is now on the desk of Democratic Louisiana Gov. John Bell Edwards.
Edwards, a moderate Democrat in a deficit state, is uncertain whether he will sign the bill.
Governor John Bell Edwards speaks to the media at a crime-solving barbershop in New Orleans, Louisiana, November 15, 2019. (Photo Credit: Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Louisiana Republican Rep. Mike Johnson, who drafted the bill, said police should keep civilians from interfering with police duties. according to New Orleans Times Picayune.
“The law says nothing about prohibiting videotaping, eavesdropping, or even communicating with police officers. In an interview with BRProud, Johnson said:
However, the bill is not without criticism.
“I think there are a lot of constitutional issues with this,” said Democratic Louisiana Senator Gary Carter. Louisiana Illuminator. “I think there will be enforcement issues. But I simply think it’s government overreach.”
The Louisiana ACLU also criticized the bill for violating the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
HB85 is vague and too broad. This violates the First Amendment right to observe and record police, which is essential to uncover police misconduct.
— ACLU, Louisiana (@ACLUofLouisiana) June 5, 2023
Republican Louisiana Senator Lois Duplessis said in an interview with the Times Picayune after the bill passed that it “will have a chilling effect on the public who observe police misconduct.”
This bill is part of a series of law enforcement-related proposals in Louisiana. House Bill 563A bill aimed at providing payroll subsidies for police was passed unanimously in both the Louisiana House and Senate. (Related: City that cuts police funding gives police officers $25 million in subsidies)
A gubernatorial candidate across the aisle in Louisiana released a pro-police and anti-crime ad. Republican gubernatorial nominee Jeff Landry made the announcement. advertisement He touted his career as a police officer and sheriff, and in April promised to help police. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Sean Wilson also issued a statement. video In April, he promised to work with police to tackle crime in a comprehensive way that also involves psychologists and social workers.
Johnson did not immediately respond to the DCNF’s request for comment.
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