GOP lawmaker to introduce bill requiring arrested DC protesters pay for police overtime

GOP Rep. Jim Banks (Ind.) on Monday said that in response to climate protests that took place in downtown Washington, D.C., he plans to introduce a bill that would force arrested protesters to pay for police overtime.

{mosads}“Under my bill, a person will be responsible for public safety response costs incurred by the District of Columbia’s response to a demonstration if, in connection with the demonstration, the person is convicted of a felony or misdemeanor offense,” Banks tweeted.

Banks added that his bill “would not prohibit other demonstrations or protests” that receive legal permits, including the annual March for Life or the Women’s March, and would only affect illegal protesters who get arrested.

“Washington, D.C. collects over $4 billion in federal funding,” Banks continued. “Hoosier taxpayers shouldn’t be on the hook for illegal protests — it is a violation of their 1st Amendment rights.” 

In response to today’s #ShutDownDC, I will be working on introducing a bill that would force protesters arrested at demonstrations in D.C. to pay for police overtime and other fees related to the action.

— Jim Banks (@RepJimBanks) September 23, 2019

Under my bill, a person will be responsible for public safety response costs incurred by the District of Columbia’s response to a demonstration if, in connection with the demonstration, the person is convicted of a felony or misdemeanor offense.

— Jim Banks (@RepJimBanks) September 23, 2019

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 1st Amendment rights.

— Jim Banks (@RepJimBanks) September 23, 2019 

Climate change protesters took to the streets in Washington on Monday, temporarily shutting down multiple key intersections during rush hour to push for an immediate halt to fossil fuel production and a quick transition to renewable energy.

The intersection of 16th and K Street NW, just north of the White House, was blocked by a pink and yellow sailboat with the words “Rebel for Life” and “Tell the Truth” emblazoned on the side. The protesters left the boat in the intersection attached to a trailer with deflated tires, and police had to haul it out of the intersection using a tow truck around 10 a.m.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Department said police arrested at least 26 people at one D.C. intersection.

The protests coincided with the United Nations General Assembly climate summit.