The "Punishing Rioters and Protecting Communities Act" seeks to redefine and enhance penalties for riot-related offenses in New Jersey. It amends N.J.S.2C:33-1 to establish a riot as a violent public disturbance involving three or more individuals with a common intent to engage in disorderly conduct, introducing classifications such as aggravated riot and inciting a riot, with penalties based on the severity of actions. The bill also mandates municipalities to ensure law enforcement can respond effectively to disturbances and clarifies that constitutionally protected activities, like peaceful protests, remain unaffected by these new definitions. Additionally, it amends N.J.S.2C:12-1 to include causing bodily injury during a riot as a specific offense, imposing enhanced penalties for assaults against law enforcement officers during such events.

Moreover, the bill introduces stricter penalties for various crimes, including aggravated assault, burglary, and theft, particularly when committed during a riot or aggravated riot. It establishes a pretrial detention hearing for individuals arrested for riot-related offenses and creates an affirmative defense for personal injury claims arising from injuries sustained by participants in a riot. The legislation also allows for appeals against proposed funding reductions for municipal law enforcement agencies, ensuring communities can contest such changes. Modeled after Florida's laws, the bill aims to clarify legal responsibilities and protections in the context of riots while maintaining safeguards for lawful assembly and protest.