(Darren Hauck/Reuters)

In Scott Walker's Wisconsin, groups holding demonstrations may soon have to start paying the state, and even put down deposits, in order to hold protests at the state capitol:

Gov. Scott Walker's administration could hold demonstrators at the Capitol liable for the cost of extra police or cleanup and repairs after protests, under a new policy unveiled Thursday. [...] The policy says: Groups of four or more people must obtain permits for all activity and displays in state buildings and apply for those permits at least 72 hours in advance. The policy requires permits for 100 or more people outside the Capitol. The policy does provide some leeway for spontaneous gatherings triggered by unforeseen events. Groups holding demonstrations could be charged for the costs of having extra police on hand for the event. Costs associated with a counterprotest could be charged to that second group. The costs would be $50 per hour per Capitol Police officer - costs for police officers from outside agencies would depend on the costs billed to the state. The police could require an advance payment as a requirement for getting a permit and also could require liability insurance or a bond.

So, whether or not you have the right to peaceably assemble in Wisconsin may soon be based on the size of your bank account.

For more discussion on this topic, see Puddytat's post.