John Bel Signs First Ever ‘Blue Lives Matter’ Law

Governor John Bel Edwards signed a first-of-its-kind law Thursday that makes it a hate crime in Louisiana to target law enforcement officers and other first responders.

The “Blue Lives Matter” bill expands the state’s power to include law enforcement officers, firefighters and other emergency medical services personnel.

In signing the bill, Edwards stated that he has “great respect” for the work that law enforcement officers do and the daily risks they take.

Under this new law, anyone convicted of a hate crime felony could face up to an additional $5,000 fine and five years in prison. For a misdemeanor offense, the punishment comes with a $500 fine and an additional six-month prison sentence.

The “Blue Lives Matter” bill easily passed both state legislative houses.