After two days of emotional debate and the rejection of multiple attempts to amend it, a bill to up penalties for violent protesters, allow challenges to municipal cuts to police budgets, and create crimes of mob and cyber intimidation has passed the Florida Senate and been sent to the governor.

HB 1, which Gov. Ron DeSantis called his top legislative priority, passed the Senate 23-17 on April 15, completing an alternative process for hearing the measure in the upper chamber. The bill passed the House on March 26 76-39.

Since the Senate passed the exact version approved by the House, the law goes directly to DeSantis and becomes effective upon his signature — something cited by organizations opposing both HB 1 and legislation to pass more tightened Florida voting laws. Those opponents said HB 1 could be used to block protests against the voting bills.