To amend title 18, United States Code, to include rioting in the definition of racketeering activity.
Summary
What This Bill Does
This bill amends the racketeering activity definition in 18 U.S.C. 1961(1). It inserts section 2101, the federal riot offense, before the existing references to sexual exploitation offenses. Because section 1961(1) defines predicate offenses for the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, adding section 2101 means qualifying riot offenses can be used as racketeering predicates in criminal RICO prosecutions and civil RICO suits. The bill does not change the elements of the federal riot statute itself; it changes the downstream consequences when riot conduct is alleged to be part of an enterprise or pattern of racketeering activity.
Who Benefits and How
Federal prosecutors benefit from a new RICO predicate tied to federal riot offenses. Civil RICO plaintiffs benefit if riot-related conduct can support treble-damages claims against an alleged enterprise. Businesses harmed by riot-related damage benefit from a broader civil RICO theory. Law enforcement agencies benefit from expanded investigative leverage in organized riot-related cases.
Who Bears the Burden and How
Individuals charged with federal riot offenses face potential RICO exposure if prosecutors allege a racketeering enterprise and pattern. Organizations accused of coordinating riot activity may face civil or criminal RICO litigation. Federal courts must handle RICO claims using section 2101 as a predicate offense. Protest organizers may face increased legal risk if riot allegations are linked to enterprise theories.
Key Provisions
- Adds federal riot offenses under section 2101 to the RICO racketeering activity definition.
- Expands possible predicates for criminal RICO prosecutions.
- Expands possible predicates for civil RICO suits.
- Leaves the underlying elements of section 2101 unchanged.
Evidence Chain:
This summary is generated from the full bill text using AI analysis. Expand "Detailed Analysis" below for identified beneficiaries/burden bearers.
At a Glance
What This Bill Does
Adds title 18 section 2101 rioting offenses to the racketeering activity definition used for RICO prosecutions and civil RICO claims.
Key Policy Areas
Criminal Law, RICO, Riots
Primary Purpose
Adds title 18 section 2101 rioting offenses to the racketeering activity definition used for RICO prosecutions and civil RICO claims.
Policy Domains
Resolution provisions
Identified Gains
Contextual inference, no direct clause citation- Federal prosecutors
- Civil RICO plaintiffs
- Businesses harmed by riot-related damage
- Law enforcement agencies
Contextual inference, no direct clause citation
Identified Costs
Contextual inference, no direct clause citation- Individuals charged with federal riot offenses
- Organizations accused of coordinating riot activity
- Federal courts
- Protest organizers
Contextual inference, no direct clause citation
Sponsors
Legislative Progress
In CommitteeMs. Van Duyne (for herself and Mr. Nehls) introduced the …
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Bill Structure & Actor Mappings
Who is "The Secretary" in each section?
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