The proposed bill significantly amends New Jersey's laws concerning riots and related offenses, broadening the definition of a riot to include participation in violent public disturbances involving three or more individuals with a shared intent to engage in disorderly conduct. It introduces the concept of "aggravated riot," which applies to situations involving 25 or more participants, serious bodily injury, significant property damage, or the use of deadly weapons, carrying higher penalties. The bill also establishes new offenses for inciting a riot and aggravated inciting a riot, with corresponding penalties, while ensuring that individuals arrested for these offenses must remain in custody until a pretrial detention hearing. Importantly, the legislation clarifies that constitutionally protected activities, such as peaceful protests, are not prohibited under these new definitions.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of New Jersey's criminal code, enhancing penalties for theft offenses, particularly those involving law enforcement equipment or occurring during riots, categorizing them as second-degree crimes under specific conditions. It mandates that individuals arrested for theft during a riot cannot be released until they appear before a judge for a pretrial detention hearing. The bill also addresses public entity liability, requiring municipalities to ensure their law enforcement agencies can effectively respond to riots, making them civilly liable for damages resulting from a failure to do so. Overall, the legislation aims to strengthen public safety and accountability during civil disturbances while safeguarding the rights to lawful assembly and protest.