HB 784 Summary

• Creates new offense of "riot assault" (felony of 5th-3rd degree depending on victim and injury) for causing physical harm during aggravated riot or riot, with enhanced penalties when victim is a peace officer.

• Establishes "riot vandalism" as felony of 2nd degree for recklessly causing physical harm to government property, memorials, or burial sites during aggravated riot or riot.

• Allows peace officers to bring civil suits against riot participants and organizations providing material support, with treble damages available against organizations funding riot conduct.

• Creates new offense of "bias motivated intimidation of first responders" (felony of 3rd degree) for maliciously intimidating, harassing, or terrorizing first responders because of their employment status.

• Expands "duty to retreat" exceptions in self-defense law, allowing use of reasonable or deadly force to escape from aggravated riot or riot without legal liability in tort or criminal actions.