Latest news with #HB1
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ayotte signs two-year state budget, closing turbulent final chapter
Gov. Kelly Ayotte delivers her inaugural address at the State House on Jan. 9, 2025. Seated, at right, is House Speaker Sherman Packard. (Photo by Ethan DeWitt/New Hampshire Bulletin) Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed New Hampshire's two budget bills — House Bill 1 and House Bill 2 — into law Friday, approving a $15.9 billion two-year package to fund the state government until July 2027. The governor also signed a third compromise bill, House Bill 282, meant to address her concerns over education funding and changes to the retirement system, and to head off her threats of a veto. The signatures mark a political victory for the governor, when the outcome was hardly certain. Just one week after House and Senate negotiators made reductions to health care spending, education aid to Manchester school districts, and a proposed fix to police and firefighter retirement benefits championed by Ayotte, the governor had vowed to veto the budget without changes. That pledge kicked off days of negotiations that culminated in a last-minute deal Wednesday evening that Ayotte endorsed. But a faction of fiscally conservative House Republicans who objected to spending increases nearly derailed the process, joining with Democrats to briefly defeat HB 1 on Thursday before the vote was reconsidered and the bill was passed. In the end, after months of sharp disagreements among the Republican governor, the House, and the Senate over how much the state could afford, Ayotte emerged with a budget that kept much of the funding she proposed in February. The final package signed Friday restored many of the cuts made to Ayotte's budget by the House, which took a more conservative approach. Some boards and agencies that had been eliminated by the House, like the Office of the Child Advocate, the Commission for Human Rights, and the Housing Appeals Board, were restored in the budget, albeit with some changes and cuts. The budget also includes some policies championed by Ayotte, such as a 'bell-to-bell' cell phone ban in public schools and a new requirement that state agencies turn around housing development applications in 60 days. But the final spending package also adds cuts to the University System of New Hampshire not favored by Ayotte, and does not include the high revenue projections as Ayotte's budget did. And it inserted a series of 'back-of-the budget' cuts to agencies, such as a $51 million cut to the Department of Health and Human Services, that will require commissioners to reduce programs and potentially eliminate positions. Republicans broadly praised the budget for keeping spending increases within inflation, allowing education freedom accounts to apply to all income levels, and including some policy priorities such as the end of the state vehicle inspections beginning January 2026. Democrats, meanwhile, decried the budget's cuts to DHHS spending and its creation of a new premium added to Medicaid plans for participants, and said the budget underfunds efforts to improve housing affordability, child care, and public education.
Miami Herald
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Ron DeSantis Says Drivers Have Right to Hit Protesters-Is He Right?
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been accused of "overstating the protections that drivers have" if they hit individuals who surround their vehicles during a demonstration. Tray Gober, the managing director of the law firm Lee, Gober & Reyna, told Newsweek that the governor appeared to "conflate civil protections with criminal immunity" and risked "sending a dangerous message." Since June 6, Los Angeles has been rocked by a series of protests against Immigration and Custom Enforcement raids. Some of the demonstrations have turned violent, with individuals burning vehicles and throwing rocks at the police. In response, President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of 4,000 National Guard soldiers and 700 Marines against the wishes of California Governor Gavin Newsom. Anti-ICE protests have since spread to other cities, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott has also deployed National Guard troops in his state. On Saturday, the Trump administration is holding a military parade in Washington, D.C., to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. The "No Kings" movement has organized more than 1,500 demonstrations across the country to take place on the day, which is also Trump's 79th birthday. A large number of protests nationwide could mean increased interactions between drivers and people demonstrating on roads. During an appearance on The Rubin Report on Wednesday, DeSantis said drivers could legally hit demonstrators with their vehicles if fleeing for their safety. "We also have a policy that if you're driving on one of those streets and a mob comes and surrounds your vehicle and threatens you, you have a right to flee for your safety," DeSantis said. "And so if you drive off and you hit one of these people, that's their fault for impinging on you." Gober, who has worked as a criminal defense attorney and covered civil cases involving vehicle collisions, said the governor's comments were based on a misunderstanding of the law. "Governor DeSantis' comments appear to conflate civil protections with criminal immunity, which are distinct in both intent and effect," Gober said. "Florida's HB 1 passed in 2021 provides an affirmative defense in civil lawsuits for injuries caused to someone 'acting in furtherance of a riot.' But that is not the same as granting drivers a carte blanche to hit protesters without consequence." In 2021, DeSantis signed House Bill 1, nicknamed the "anti-riot" bill, into law. The legislation grants drivers some civil protection if they hit protesters with their vehicles while feeling threatened but not criminal immunity. "In a civil context, the Florida statute (HB1) provides that if a person is injured while participating in a riot, and they then sue for damages, the defendant can raise the plaintiff's riot participation as an affirmative defense," Gober said, adding: "In a criminal context, HB 1 does not create blanket immunity for drivers who injure protesters. Florida criminal law still requires that use of force is justified only when it meets the legal standard for self-defense." "So while DeSantis's rhetoric suggests a driver can simply 'drive off' and harm someone without legal risk, that's not what the law actually says," he continued. Gober added, "DeSantis is overstating the protections drivers have. The law he's citing offers limited civil protection in very specific cases. It does not give blanket criminal immunity for injuring or killing protesters. It also risks sending a dangerous message that civil unrest justifies indiscriminate harm." Bryan Griffin, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' communications director, told Newsweek: "It's simple: don't protest in Florida by blocking traffic or threatening people in their cars, and you won't have a problem. Even you Newsweek activists and your Experts™ should be able to keep that straight." Lorella Praeli, a co-president of Community Change Action, which is backing Saturday's protest, previously told Newsweek: "Look around-Trump and his allies are deploying the tools of authoritarianism: silencing dissent, targeting immigrants, punishing oversight, and even staging military displays for personal glorification. These aren't isolated incidents; they're part of a broader effort to delegitimize democratic norms. "This isn't normal. It's manufactured chaos, designed to instill fear and consolidate power. When a sitting U.S. Senator is handcuffed for asking a question, it should be a five-alarm fire for anyone who believes in democracy. We have to name this moment for what it is-and organize with the clarity and courage it demands." Demonstrations are expected across the U.S. on Saturday. Organizers of the No Kings protests have said: "All No Kings events adhere to a shared commitment to nonviolent protest and community safety. Organizers are trained in de-escalation and are working closely with local partners to ensure peaceful and powerful actions nationwide." Related Articles Why Flags Are at Half-Mast Across Florida TodayRon DeSantis Says Floridians Have Right to Hit Protesters With CarsRon DeSantis' PAC Defends Musk as Billionaire's Feud With Trump ExplodesFlorida Bridge Displays Pride Colors in Defiance of Ron DeSantis 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Ron DeSantis Says Drivers Have Right to Hit Protesters—Is He Right?
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been accused of "overstating the protections that drivers have" if they hit individuals who surround their vehicles during a demonstration. Tray Gober, the managing director of the law firm Lee, Gober & Reyna, told Newsweek that the governor appeared to "conflate civil protections with criminal immunity" and risked "sending a dangerous message." Why It Matters Since June 6, Los Angeles has been rocked by a series of protests against Immigration and Custom Enforcement raids. Some of the demonstrations have turned violent, with individuals burning vehicles and throwing rocks at the police. In response, President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of 4,000 National Guard soldiers and 700 Marines against the wishes of California Governor Gavin Newsom. Anti-ICE protests have since spread to other cities, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott has also deployed National Guard troops in his state. On Saturday, the Trump administration is holding a military parade in Washington, D.C., to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. The "No Kings" movement has organized more than 1,500 demonstrations across the country to take place on the day, which is also Trump's 79th birthday. A large number of protests nationwide could mean increased interactions between drivers and people demonstrating on roads. What To Know During an appearance on The Rubin Report on Wednesday, DeSantis said drivers could legally hit demonstrators with their vehicles if fleeing for their safety. "We also have a policy that if you're driving on one of those streets and a mob comes and surrounds your vehicle and threatens you, you have a right to flee for your safety," DeSantis said. "And so if you drive off and you hit one of these people, that's their fault for impinging on you." Gober, who has worked as a criminal defense attorney and covered civil cases involving vehicle collisions, said the governor's comments were based on a misunderstanding of the law. "Governor DeSantis' comments appear to conflate civil protections with criminal immunity, which are distinct in both intent and effect," Gober said. "Florida's HB 1 passed in 2021 provides an affirmative defense in civil lawsuits for injuries caused to someone 'acting in furtherance of a riot.' But that is not the same as granting drivers a carte blanche to hit protesters without consequence." Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaking during a news conference at an ICE Enforcement and Removal Operation office in Miramar, Florida, on May 1. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaking during a news conference at an ICE Enforcement and Removal Operation office in Miramar, Florida, on May 1. Joe Raedle/GETTY In 2021, DeSantis signed House Bill 1, nicknamed the "anti-riot" bill, into law. The legislation grants drivers some civil protection if they hit protesters with their vehicles while feeling threatened but not criminal immunity. "In a civil context, the Florida statute (HB1) provides that if a person is injured while participating in a riot, and they then sue for damages, the defendant can raise the plaintiff's riot participation as an affirmative defense," Gober said, adding: "In a criminal context, HB 1 does not create blanket immunity for drivers who injure protesters. Florida criminal law still requires that use of force is justified only when it meets the legal standard for self-defense." "So while DeSantis's rhetoric suggests a driver can simply 'drive off' and harm someone without legal risk, that's not what the law actually says," he continued. Gober added, "DeSantis is overstating the protections drivers have. The law he's citing offers limited civil protection in very specific cases. It does not give blanket criminal immunity for injuring or killing protesters. It also risks sending a dangerous message that civil unrest justifies indiscriminate harm." What People Are Saying Bryan Griffin, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' communications director, told Newsweek: "It's simple: don't protest in Florida by blocking traffic or threatening people in their cars, and you won't have a problem. Even you Newsweek activists and your Experts™ should be able to keep that straight." Lorella Praeli, a co-president of Community Change Action, which is backing Saturday's protest, previously told Newsweek: "Look around—Trump and his allies are deploying the tools of authoritarianism: silencing dissent, targeting immigrants, punishing oversight, and even staging military displays for personal glorification. These aren't isolated incidents; they're part of a broader effort to delegitimize democratic norms. "This isn't normal. It's manufactured chaos, designed to instill fear and consolidate power. When a sitting U.S. Senator is handcuffed for asking a question, it should be a five-alarm fire for anyone who believes in democracy. We have to name this moment for what it is—and organize with the clarity and courage it demands." What Happens Next Demonstrations are expected across the U.S. on Saturday. Organizers of the No Kings protests have said: "All No Kings events adhere to a shared commitment to nonviolent protest and community safety. Organizers are trained in de-escalation and are working closely with local partners to ensure peaceful and powerful actions nationwide."
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New Mississippi laws go into effect on July 1
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – July 1 may seem inconsequential for some, but it is a major day for change in Mississippi politics. This year, the day marks the start of a new term for many municipal officeholders. But each year in Mississippi, the first day of July is when many laws go into effect. Though this year's legislative session may have been unconventional by most metrics, the importance of July 1 remained the same in Mississippi. From kratom to college athletes, legislation passed in the 2025 legislative session will soon be felt across the state. Below is an overview of the most noteworthy bills in Mississippi. Kratom is a largely unregulated substance marketed as a pain reliever, anti-depressant and anxiety remedy with effects that mirror opiates at higher doses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported that it is unsafe for use. The substance often for sale at gas stations across Mississippi is not banned by HB 1077, but its sale is restricted to those over the age of 21 starting on July 1. Some cities have banned kratom products. Current or future bans by municipalities or counties are permitted and enforceable under the new law. HB 1896, also passed this session, imposes a 25% excise tax on kratom sold within the state starting on July 1. For those wanting alcohol sent to their house, this bill authorizes the delivery of wine in Mississippi. To do so in Mississippi, a special permit for distributors is required. Additionally, a person at least 21-years-old or older must sign for any wine upon delivery. The bill establishes the Division of Autism Services within the state department of mental health. It will develop and coordinate services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families. According to a 2024 report from the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, over 2% of Mississippi children aged three to seventeen years old have the condition. NCAA settlement could reshape Mississippi sports After the 2024 legislative session, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld an Oregon city's ordinances outlawing homeless encampments. For 2025, the Mississippi legislature passed a statewide law. The law, set to go into effect on July 1, will outlaw similar campsites from appearing unless explicitly permitted by public authorities. Punishments range up to a $500 fine and six months in jail. With the rapidly changing landscape of college athletics, the bill seeks to adjust to its biggest development: athlete pay. The law will allow schools to directly pay college athletes. It also enables institutions to help athletes make money off of their name, image and likeness. However, restrictions related to how student-athletes may market themselves remain in place. Bills that went into effect upon passage have also made headlines. HB 1193, which prohibits diversity, equity and inclusion practices at public institutions, went into effect upon passage. It is currently being challenged in court. HB 1, which will gradually eliminate the state's income tax, will take several years to come to fruition. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
As L.A. burns, DeSantis team warns: 'Rioting will not be tolerated' in Florida
Florida officials say rioting will "not be tolerated" as they point to a 2021 "anti-riot" law, responding to protests in Los Angeles communities against ICE raids. Protests broke out in the immigration services building near downtown Los Angeles over the past weekend, following multiple U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement warrants executed throughout the city. These protests escalated around the greater Los Angeles area, with protesters throwing items at officers, setting off fireworks and blocking buses. Homeland Security said protesters assaulted officers, which prompted President Donald Trump to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to the city. Gov. Ron DeSantis' team played down any potential for "rioting" in Florida, referring to a screenshot of a Facebook post announcing a "rapid response" protest organized by Voices of Florida against ICE raids. The nonprofit's mission is focused on "defending human rights and reproductive freedoms," and its Facebook post about a Tampa City Hall protest on June 9 drew hundreds of shares. "People are free to protest but rioting is illegal in Florida and will be dealt with accordingly," wrote Christina Pushaw, a senior aide to DeSantis, in an X post. That was in reference to a law (HB 1) championed by DeSantis in 2021 after racial justice protests nationwide happened after the death of George Floyd, a Black man killed by a Minneapolis police officer. 2021 anti-rioting: Tallahassee and 8 other cities file lawsuit challenging HB 1 'anti-riot' bill Attorney General James Uthmeier, formerly DeSantis' chief of staff, affirmed Pushaw's response. He said rioting is "illegal in Florida and will not be tolerated." These protests come in response to nationwide ICE raids as part of the president's agenda to deport immigrants without legal status from the country. This immigration crackdown has led to ICE raids all over the country, including in workplaces and schools, and most recently a high-profile raid at a Tallahassee construction site. In late May, more than 100 people were detained in the Florida capital, which prompted a protest of more than 150 people near the state Capitol. Protestors held up signs, "Protect families not tear them apart" and "Abolish ICE." The law created a new definition for "riot" and mandated that those arrested for unlawful assembly would be held without bail until their first court appearance. For years, this law played out in federal court after being challenged by groups including the Florida NAACP and the Dream Defenders. The groups argued that the law violated the First Amendment and was ambiguous over defining whether peaceful protesters are threatened by this measure. In 2023, a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction for the law, saying it was "vague and overbroad" and violated First Amendment rights of assembly. In the middle of 2024, the Florida Supreme Court rejected arguments that the law was ambiguous, and it agreed that a peaceful protester is not a rioter. Months later, an appeals court overturned the injunction and agreed that peaceful protesters face criminal charges if their protests turn violent. High court weighs in: Peaceful protesters OK under state's 'anti-riot' law, Florida Supreme Court rules This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. USA Today Network-Florida First Amendment reporter Stephany Matat is based in Tallahassee, Fla. She can be reached at SMatat@ On X: @stephanymatat. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida warns: 'Rioting is illegal' amid ICE protest backlash in L.A.
