Changes are coming to the Capitol after protestors staged a month long sit-in outside the Governor’s Office. State police want to limit access to protesters after hours.
Members of a group called the Dream Defenders parked themselves inside the Capitol for 31 days last summer around the clock. They unsuccessfully demanded changes to Florida’s Stand Your Ground self-defense law.
When the group finally ended its demonstration, state police had racked up more than $170,000 in overtime costs for security.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is proposing a rule that would no longer allow members of the public to stay in the Capitol overnight. Visitors would have to leave by 5pm or within half an hour of public meetings adjourning. Those who don’t leave could be arrested for trespassing.
Workers at the Capitol would also have to limit the number of guests they bring into the building.
So far, the proposal only applies to protesters inside the Capitol – not those who choose to camp outside.
The recommendation needs approval by the governor and legislative leaders.