SB 184 Endangers the First Amendment Rights of Citizens to Observe and Film Police
Join the First Amendment Foundation in urging Governor Desantis to veto this bill which would infringe on Floridians’ First Amendment rights
Despite testimony from the First Amendment Foundation warning legislators that it would have unintended First Amendment implications, SB 184 – “Impeding, Threatening, and Harassing First Responders” – was passed by the Florida legislature this year. We appreciate the importance of protecting first responders but are concerned that the bill prevents citizens from going near or filming first responders within 25 feet if told not to approach. This bill would undermine citizen journalists and could allow for undocumented police misconduct.
First Amendment Foundation sent a letter to Governor Desantis advising him not to pass this bill, as it is blatantly unconstitutional and is likely to be shot down in court. You can read that letter here.
We ask you to join us in urging the governor to veto this bill by writing, emailing, or calling his office. Join us in protecting the First Amendment rights of citizen journalists and newsgatherers across the state today!