- Home Rule
- ▹ September 20, 2022
ABOUT HB1
House Bill 1 — now known as Florida’s Anti-Protest / Anti-Local Control Law — is a far-reaching law that undermines both free speech and assembly, and the ability of local governments to pass budgets responsive to their communities’ needs. It was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on April 19, 2021.
As it relates to local control, the law permits state officials to complete a line-by-line review of municipal budgets and force modification to those budgets. The law also waives sovereign immunity for cities and makes them civilly liable for personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage that occurs during a riot or unlawful assembly if the cities fail to “respond appropriately” to the riot or unlawful assembly.
In November 2021, nine cities across Florida filed a lawsuit against HB 1 with the support of Public Rights Project, Community Justice Project, and the Southern Poverty Law Center.
How It Impacts Florida Cities
House Bill 1 is a direct and sweeping attack against local control and local democracy. It impacts every single city in the state of Florida.
Under House Bill 1, if a city’s tentative budget reduces the operating budget of the city’s law enforcement agency, the Law permits the state attorney for the judicial circuit in which a city is located or any member of the city’s governing body to file an appeal by petition to the Administration Commission, a body that is comprised of the Governor and his cabinet.
Local governments are those closest to communities. It is critical that they are able to make policy and budgetary decisions that are inclusive of and responsive to the most pressing needs. HB 1 undermines that ability.
Opportunities & Engagement
We urge cities and local elected officials to show their support and speak out against HB 1.
AMPLIFY THE FIGHT ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Lend your voice as we raise awareness about the dangerous impacts this law has on our communities.
Get in touch with us
There are lots of ways that you can support the fight against HB 1. Reach out to us to to find out how you can get involved!
Latest News from Florida
- ▹ September 2, 2022
The Network Download: Abortion rights, worker protections, and more. | Sept 2022
Here’s a look at some of what’s happening across the Local Progress network this month.
- Home Rule
- ▹ August 22, 2022
Netroots Nation 2022 – A Threat to Racial Justice: Criminalizing Protest and State Interference
At Netroots, we examined the troubling trend of attacks on democracy through a case study of HB1, which is currently facing a community-centered legal challenge on behalf of multiple Florida municipalities.
- Home Rule
- ▹ July 11, 2022
Local Progress Files Amicus Brief in Support of Cities Suing Florida’s HB 1
House Bill 1 violates the Florida Constitution by unlawfully taking away power from local govs to respond to their communities’ needs and stand up for racial justice. Check out the amicus brief we filed today signed by 45 Local Progress members.
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