The bill amends Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by adding a new section, 9720.9, which establishes sentencing enhancements for offenses committed during riots. The Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing is tasked with creating guidelines that specify increased penalties for certain crimes, including simple assault, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, terroristic threats, harassment, burglary, and criminal trespass, when these offenses are committed in the context of a riot as defined by state law.

The new legal language emphasizes that the sentencing guidelines will account for the aggravating circumstance of the offense being committed while engaging in a riot, thereby allowing for harsher penalties. This act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.