HB 639 Summary

• Modifies the offense of aggravated riot (section 2917.02) to make it a felony of the fifth degree when a person participates in rioting while wearing a mask or disguise.

• Creates a new specification under section 2941.1427 that allows courts to impose an additional mandatory one-year prison term on any offender convicted of a felony if they wore a mask or disguise while committing the offense.

• Applies the mask/disguise specification to both adult offenders and juveniles adjudicated as delinquent children, with corresponding commitments to youth services.

• Requires that the mask or disguise specification be included in the indictment or information charging the offense and stated in a specific statutory form.

• Ensures the one-year prison term cannot be reduced and must be served consecutively to any other prison sentences imposed.