(Washington Examiner) Republican Indiana Rep. Jim Banks announced his intention to introduce a bill requiring protesters arrested during demonstrations in Washington, D.C., to pay the for police's overtime and other fees.
Banks made the announcement in response to the "Shut Down DC" demonstration, where climate activists blocked major intersections around the nation's capital during morning rush hour on Monday.
"Washington, D.C. collects over $4 billion in federal funding. Hoosier taxpayers shouldn’t be on the hook for illegal protests — it is a violation of their First Amendment rights," Banks continued. "To be clear, my bill will not prohibit other demonstrations or protests on the National Mall like the annual March for Life or Women’s March. Those protests are legal because they obtained official permits. My bill would only apply to illegal protesters who are arrested."
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