Riot Felony Penalty Enhancement

HB 505 creates enhanced felony penalties for rioting, using a broad definition that could encompass prison protests, disturbances, and even loud collective complaints about conditions. The bill increases minimum sentences and creates new mandatory penalties.

GPS opposes this bill because its broad definition of "riot" could be weaponized against incarcerated people who protest inhumane conditions. When prisoners have no safe avenue to report abuse, overcrowding, or dangerous conditions, collective action is often their only recourse. This bill would turn that last resort into a felony, further silencing the voices of people who are already among the most powerless in our society.