The bill amends existing laws related to riots and the Oklahoma Governmental Tort Claims Act. It modifies the penalties for participating in riots, establishing various classifications of felonies based on the actions taken during a riot. Notably, it introduces new provisions that classify assault and battery, aggravated assault and battery, willful damage to property, and the act of concealing one's identity with a disguise during a riot as felonies with specific penalties. Additionally, it reclassifies the offense of unlawfully obstructing public streets from a misdemeanor to a Class D3 felony, increasing the potential penalties for such actions.

Furthermore, the bill amends the Oklahoma Governmental Tort Claims Act to provide an exception to the state's liability protections in cases of civil disobedience, riots, insurrections, or rebellions, if the state was aware of a dangerous condition and failed to act. This change aims to hold the state accountable for its inaction in such situations. The bill is set to take effect on November 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-1312, 51-155