The Florida Senate is poised to deliver one of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ top legislative priorities, after spending hours considering a controversial proposal that would create a new crime of “mob intimidation,” enhance penalties on riot-related offenses and make it harder for municipalities to trim spending on law enforcement.

The bill (HB 1) has become one of the 2021 legislative session’s most contentious issues, not only due to its content but also because of its timing.