Sub. H.B. No. 109 Summary

• Increases criminal penalties for assault, vandalism, and riot offenses by creating new offense categories including "riot assault" (felony of 5th-3rd degree depending on severity) and "riot vandalism" (felony of 5th degree).

• Allows peace officers to bring civil lawsuits against individuals and organizations that commit riot-related violations (sections 2917.02, 2917.03) or cause injury/property damage during the officer's official duties, with treble damages available for organizations providing material support.

• 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 disorderly conduct penalties to include higher misdemeanor classifications when committed during riots, protests without permits, or in presence of law enforcement and first responders.

• Modifies sentencing guidelines in section 2929.14 to include new offense classifications and mandatory prison terms for violations related to the new riot-related crimes.