The March For Our Lives organization has been advocating for gun control measures since the Parkland high school shooting three years ago.
Now, the group is rallying against a bill moving through the state Legislature that's a top priority for Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The Combatting Public Disorder bill — HB 1 — advanced to its third and final reading on Thursday afternoon. The Florida House is expected to vote on it Friday.
WLRN is committed to providing the trusted news and local reporting you rely on. Please keep WLRN strong with your support today. Donate now. Thank you.
In protest of the protest bill — March For Our Lives Florida is partnering with other advocacy groups, including the Dream Defenders, for a drive-in rally in Orlando Friday.
Supporters of the bill say it would prevent violence during riots.
Opponents worry the bill could criminalize some forms of protest if a crowd turns disorderly.
The measure would make it a second-degree misdemeanor to assemble in a group of three or more to commit a "breach of peace."
And if you get arrested, you'd have to be held in custody until your first appearance in court.
Read More: Opponents Fear Florida Bill Designed To Instill 'Fear' Into Protesters And Organizers
Provisions like that worry Alyssa Ackbar, a Florida State University student and state director for March For Our Lives Florida.
"I am very fearful of this bill, because I'm the first of my family to go to college here in the United States. I have a 3.9 GPA," Ackbar said. "And I just hate to think that, you know, I could be punished in the future in a way that could very easily ruin my life just for being politically active."
Ackbar said, protesting isn't going away even if the bill passes. She also argues that the advocacy efforts from groups like March For Our Lives are only more pressing after Monday's mass shooting in Colorado that killed 10 people.
"When we think about the history of March For Our Lives, it really started with with protest. Now three years forward, we're looking at how our movement has progressed and how we're addressing gun violence," she said. "We know that gun violence is a symptom of a lot of larger issues that are present in our communities."
