The proposed bill significantly amends New Jersey's laws concerning riots and related offenses by broadening the definition of a riot and introducing new crimes such as mob intimidation and cyber-intimidation by publication. Under the new definition, a riot is characterized as a violent public disturbance involving three or more individuals with a shared intent to engage in disorderly conduct, leading to injury or property damage. The bill establishes various penalties for aggravated riot, inciting a riot, and aggravated inciting a riot, with classifications based on the severity of actions taken during such events. It also enhances penalties for crimes committed during a riot, including assault, and mandates that individuals arrested for riot-related offenses must be held in custody until a pretrial detention hearing.

Additionally, the bill amends several sections of New Jersey's criminal code, particularly addressing criminal mischief, burglary, and theft, while introducing new definitions and grading for these offenses. It specifies that damaging memorial or historic property will incur penalties based on the damage's value and requires restitution for repair or replacement costs. The legislation also elevates the grading of theft offenses committed during riots or emergencies to second-degree crimes under certain conditions. Furthermore, it imposes a duty on municipalities to ensure their law enforcement agencies can effectively respond to riots, making them civilly liable for damages resulting from failures in this duty. Overall, the bill aims to enhance public safety and accountability during civil unrest while ensuring that constitutionally protected activities, such as peaceful protests, are not infringed upon.