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Bill

A 4594

Imposes increased fines on certain individuals who commit riot in the first degree during a state disaster emergency

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Charles Fall

Bill A 4594 increases fines for first-degree rioters during state disaster emergencies, aiming to deter violence and enhance community safety in vulnerable times.

REFERRED TO CODES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 4594

Summary of Bill A 4594

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: A 4594
  • Title: Imposes increased fines on certain individuals who commit riot in the first degree during a state disaster emergency
  • Status: Referred to Codes
  • Introduced On: February 04, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill A 4594 is to enhance penalties for individuals found guilty of committing a first-degree riot during a declared state disaster emergency. This legislation aims to deter violent behavior that could exacerbate the challenges faced by communities during emergencies, such as natural disasters or public health crises.

Key Provisions

  • Increased Fines: The bill proposes to impose higher financial penalties on individuals convicted of first-degree rioting during a state disaster emergency.
  • Definition of Riot: The bill specifies the legal definition of a first-degree riot, aligning it with existing state laws while emphasizing the context of a disaster emergency.
  • Enforcement: The bill outlines the enforcement mechanisms that law enforcement agencies will utilize to address and prosecute individuals involved in such riots.

Affected Parties

  • Individuals: The bill directly affects individuals who engage in riotous behavior during a state disaster emergency, subjecting them to increased fines.
  • Law Enforcement: Local and state law enforcement agencies will be responsible for enforcing the new penalties and prosecuting offenders.
  • Communities: Communities experiencing a disaster emergency may benefit from the deterrent effect of increased penalties, potentially leading to a safer environment during vulnerable times.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Process: As of February 4, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Codes Committee for further consideration. The timeline for subsequent actions, such as hearings or votes, will depend on the committee's schedule and legislative priorities.

Related Legislation

  • A 10603: A prior-session bill that may have addressed similar issues.
  • A 4661: Another prior-session bill potentially relevant to the context of emergency management and public safety.
  • A 2481: A prior-session bill that could be connected to the themes of public order during emergencies.

Conclusion

Bill A 4594 seeks to strengthen legal repercussions for individuals who engage in riotous behavior during state disaster emergencies. By increasing fines, the legislation aims to promote public safety and order during critical times when communities are most vulnerable. The bill is currently under review by the Codes Committee, and its future will depend on legislative discussions and decisions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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