Legislation affecting protestors drew emotional debate in the Kentucky Senate Thursday. Supporters say the measure cracks down on riotous behavior while opponents claim it overreaches to unfairly impact peaceful protesters.
Bill Sponsor Danny Carroll of Paducah said the goal of the measure is to make penalties harsh enough to deter riots. The former law enforcement officer responded to comments the bill would lead to innocent protesters getting caught up in enforcement. “I will not apologize for passing laws to protect the people of this Commonwealth, to protect the property of the business owners of this Commonwealth, to protect our first responders,” said Carroll.
In explaining the bill, Carroll cited civil unrest this past summer in Louisville over the police shooting of Breonna Taylor.
Louisville Senator Gerald Neal said the bill contains “arbitrary penalties”, adding it’s quote, “misguided, mis-directed, unnecessary, unwise, and unfortunate.”
Opponents fear participants in peaceful demonstrations could still face charges. Lexington Senator Reggie Thomas voted against the bill. “If people want to engage in conduct that we consider riotous or violent, then let’s get after those people, but not bring innocent people into this whole mix and say whatever they do, we’re going to get them too,” said Thomas.
Much of the debate focused on increased penalties for taunting police officers.
The measure passed 22-11. Now, with just a few days remaining in the current session, the bill heads to the House.
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