Sponsors
The bill increases penalties and protections to deter and punish violent riot-related conduct and protect federal personnel, but it also risks imposing severe felony exposure on nonviolent participants, chilling lawful protest and raising incarceration costs for taxpayers.
Federal law enforcement officers and uniformed service members would receive stronger legal protection: assaults against them during riots are more likely to produce harsher federal penalties.
Individuals who commit violent acts during riots would face mandatory minimum sentences (at least 1 year), which is intended to increase deterrence and improve public safety in affected communities.
The bill clarifies and tiers penalties under the federal riot statute, giving courts clearer sentencing guidance for different levels of conduct.
People convicted for nonviolent participation in riots could face felony sentences of up to 10 years, raising the risk of severe punishment for protesters, including people with disabilities.
Broader sentencing exposure and the threat of felony charges may chill lawful protest and civic participation if individuals fear ambiguous or minor involvement could lead to lengthy imprisonment.
Higher mandatory minimums and increased maximum sentences are likely to raise federal incarceration costs, increasing fiscal burdens on taxpayers.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Raises penalties under the federal riot statute, adding a 1-year minimum for violent acts and up to life for assaults on federal officers.
Introduced June 10, 2025 by Thomas Bryant Cotton · Last progress June 10, 2025
Raises penalties under the federal riot law by creating a three-tiered punishment scheme: general violations carry fines or up to 10 years in prison; if a violent act was committed or aided during the offense there is a mandatory minimum of 1 year and up to 10 years; and if the defendant assaulted a federal law enforcement officer or member of the uniformed services during the riot, penalties range from a minimum of 1 year up to life imprisonment. The bill also renumbers existing subsections and updates cross-references in the statute to reflect the revised structure.