Back the badge act now in effect

Here in Mississippi, the Back the Badge Act is now in effect. This doubles the penalties for those who intentionally harm law enforcement officers, firefighters, or emergency workers.
The law expands Mississippi’s existing hate crimes law which enhances penalties for crimes committed because of a victim’s race, religion, national origin, or gender.
The measure says it shouldn’t be interpreted to limit free speech, addressing concerns about people being punished for protesting police behavior.