This bill establishes the offense of inciting a public brawl and enhances penalties for disorderly conduct under specific circumstances. A person is guilty of inciting a public brawl if they purposefully organize or promote a group of four or more individuals to engage in disorderly conduct. If the intent is to disrupt or cause a disturbance at a public gathering, this offense is classified as a fourth-degree crime; otherwise, it is considered a disorderly persons offense. The bill also introduces provisions that make it a disorderly persons offense for individuals to conceal their identity while engaging in disorderly conduct with the intent to hinder prosecution or avoid apprehension.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding disorderly conduct, specifying that a person who acts with the purpose of disrupting a public gathering or event is guilty of a disorderly persons offense. The current law categorizes engaging in disorderly conduct as a petty disorderly persons offense, but the new language clarifies the penalties associated with these offenses. A fourth-degree crime can result in up to 18 months of imprisonment and fines up to $10,000, while disorderly persons offenses carry penalties of up to six months in prison and fines up to $1,000. The bill aims to address public safety concerns by providing law enforcement with clearer tools to manage and penalize disruptive behaviors in public settings.