x
Breaking News
More () »

'Kill the bill': Jacksonville civil rights groups protest Florida bill to strip power from civilian review boards

A few dozen protesters gathered at the Duval County Courthouse Saturday to speak out against House Bill 601.
Credit: First Coast News
Protestors carry posters while chanting 'kill the bill' at a rally in Jacksonville Saturday.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Chants of 'kill the bill' filled  the steps in front of the Duval County Courthouse Saturday.

Florida Rising hosted a protest against a bill working its way through the Florida Legislature right now.

The bill would strip civilian review boards of their right to review complaints made against law enforcement agencies.

A partner bill in the senate would also give police chiefs and sheriffs the ability to appoint civilian review boards to make recommendations about department policy and procedure.

Jacksonville does not have a civilian review board, although several other major Florida cities like Orlando, Tampa and Miami do.

“Our city should have a civilian review board, or a public safety committee as we call it, to have a seat at the table when it comes to how our city is policed," said Jacksonville Community Action Committee President Michael Sampson.

The bill passed through the state house this week and now heads to the senate for a vote.

Before You Leave, Check This Out