A Kentucky bill would make it a crime to insult or taunt a police officer during a riot if it is enough to provoke a violent response.
The GOP-led bill, moving its way across the state Senate, could imprison someone up to three months for accosting, insulting, taunting, or challenging an officer with “offensive or derisive words” or “gestures or physical contact” that would have a direct tendency to provoke a violent response from the perspective of a “reasonable and prudent person.”
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A person convicted of a misdemeanor charge of this crime could also face a $250 fine and be disqualified from public assistance benefits for three months.
“This is not about lawful protest in any way, shape, form, or fashion,” said state Sen. Danny Carroll, a Republican and retired police officer who spearheaded the bill. “This country was built on lawful protest, and it’s something that we must maintain — our citizens’ right to do so. What this deals with are those who cross the line and commit criminal acts.”
Democrats raised concerns over First Amendment issues, as well as the need to put the brunt of responsibility on officers not to be provoked by words, reported the Louisville Courier.
“I don’t believe that any of my good officers are going to be provoked to a violent response because somebody does a ‘yo mama’ joke or whatnot,” said state Sen. David Yates, a Democrat.
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The legislation, which passed in a Senate committee with a 7-3 vote, is set to make its way to the full Senate and could be passed as soon as Thursday. However, it’s unclear whether it can also make its way to the House, which has a month left in session.
