LINCOLN- The Law Enforcement Protection Act has not been written or introduced yet, but it has already drawn opposition from citizens who question the impact on constitutional rights, especially considering clashes between law enforcement and protesters during the summer’s Black Lives Matter demonstrations. Sens. La Grone and Brewer organized the news conference along with eight other conservative legislators as well as Rep. Don Bacon.
Opponents to the proposal say they have been harassed and injured by officers during peaceful protests this summer, but justice has not been done due to protections for officers already in law. Those who protested the measure during the press conference stated worry that the future bill will allow law enforcement to punish peaceful protestors, ignoring the first amendment of the Constitution.
In a brief outline of the future bill, if a group of six or more assemble and cause serious property damage or bodily damage to another person it would be a Class IIIA felony. Obstructing traffic or preventing movement of emergency responders will also carry a weight of a Class IIIA felony which carry a sentence of up to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Striking a law enforcement officer during a disorderly assembly will result in imprisonment. Under this bill, if a person is convicted of one of the above mentioned crimes, he or she will not be eligible for employment with the state. Those found guilty of these charges could be ineligible for state and political subdivision employment, as well as be banned from state benefits.