A bill passed in the Kentucky Senate on Thursday, despite opposition from many Democrats, that would make it a crime to insult a police officer.
The bill, sponsored by Republican senator and retired police officer Danny Carroll, raises punishments on crimes related to rioting and would make it a crime to provoke an officer to the point in which it could result in a violent response, according to the Courier-Journal.
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According to the bill, the person taunting the police officer would be guilty of disorderly conduct, a Class B misdemeanor with a penalty of up to 90 days’ imprisonment.
The legislation passed by a margin of 22-11 despite vocal opposition from Democrats, some of whom took the bill as a personal insult.
“This is another hammer on my district,” Democrat Sen. Gerald Neal said about the bill. “This is a backhand slap. And I resent it. I personally resent it.”
“It’s provocative,” Neal added. “It’s unnecessary. It’s unreasonable.”
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Carroll stood by the bill and stressed the importance of protecting police officers.
“The silent majority in this state supports this legislation,” Carroll argued. “They are as troubled by what has happened in this country, by what happened in Louisville, as I am. I will not apologize for this bill.”
The bill will now head to the Kentucky House chamber, which is controlled by Republicans.
