The bill amends the 1968 law regarding rioting and related crimes by redefining key terms and clarifying the legal framework surrounding these offenses. Specifically, it establishes that a riot occurs when five or more individuals act in concert to engage in violent conduct that creates a serious risk of public terror or alarm. The language has been updated to replace "persons" with "individuals" for clarity and to emphasize the collective nature of the offense.

Additionally, the bill outlines the crime of incitement to riot, specifying that it is unlawful for individuals to urge others to commit acts of violence or destruction of property. The amendment also includes a provision affirming that the right to peacefully protest is constitutionally protected under both the First Amendment and the Michigan state constitution, ensuring that such activities do not violate the incitement provisions. This inclusion aims to balance the enforcement of riot-related laws with the protection of civil liberties.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 752.541, 752.542