Tennessee's Republican governor quietly signed a bill earlier this week creating harsher punishments for protesters, including increased jail time and loss of voting rights. The bill, put forward by the state Senate, makes “camping” on state property a criminal offense. Violators would face Class E felony charges, a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 days in jail and restitution for any property damage. Illegal camping on state property was previously a misdemeanor. American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee reportedly asked the governor to veto the bill earlier this month.

Source: Fox News August 22, 2020 21:11 UTC