S.B. No. 2876 proposes to increase the criminal penalties for individuals participating in a riot while wearing a mask or other face covering. The bill amends Section 42.02(f) of the Penal Code to classify such an offense as a Class A misdemeanor if it is proven during the trial that the individual was wearing a mask or face covering with the intent to conceal their identity. Additionally, the bill clarifies that offenses committed during a riot will be classified at the same level as any higher-grade offense committed by others involved in the riot, provided the offense was either in furtherance of the assembly's purpose or could have been anticipated as a result of the assembly.

The changes introduced by this bill will only apply to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. Any offenses occurring before this date will be governed by the existing law, ensuring that the previous legal framework remains in effect for those cases.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 42.02 (Penal Code 42)
Senate Committee Report: Penal Code 42.02 (Penal Code 42)