2020 -- H 7731

========

LC004011

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2020

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- DISORDERLY CONDUCT - PROTECTIVE

EQUIPMENT AND DISGUISED MASKS PROHIBITED

     Introduced By: Representatives Corvese, Noret, Jacquard, Lima, and Hawkins

     Date Introduced: February 26, 2020

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 11-11 of the General Laws entitled "Disorderly Conduct" is hereby

amended by adding thereto the following section:

     11-11-8. Protective equipment and masks prohibited.

     (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to carry, possess or wear any of the following

devices during parades, demonstrations, rallies and assemblies:

     (1) A gas mask or similar device designed to filter all air that a person inhales and that

would protect the respiratory tract against chemical irritants commonly deployed by law

enforcement;

     (2) Any protective clothing or equipment, designed in whole or in part to minimize the

risk of injury from deadly weapons, including, but not limited to: riot helmets, face visors, body

armor, vests, neck protection, knee pads, riot shields and any other apparel or equipment worn for

the purpose of defeating law enforcement tactics to control crowds;

     (3) A mask or disguise with the specific intent to intimidate or threaten another person.

     (b) It shall be unlawful for any person who is engaged in conduct prohibited by law, to

wear a mask, hood, makeup, robe, helmet, disguises, or of any type of facial alteration, with the

intent of avoiding their identification.

     (c) Anyone who violates this section shall be imprisoned for not more than one year or

shall be fined one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both.

     (d) The provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to any federal, state or

municipal law enforcement officer performing their official duties.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

========

LC004011

========

LC004011 - Page 2 of 3

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- DISORDERLY CONDUCT - PROTECTIVE

EQUIPMENT AND DISGUISED MASKS PROHIBITED

***

     This act would make it a misdemeanor for persons to carry, possess, or wear masks or

protective clothing or equipment designed to minimize the risk of injury from deadly weapons,

for the purposes of hindering law enforcement crowd control actions. It would also outlaw

persons who are engaged in the conduct prohibited by law, from wearing disguises with the intent

of avoiding their identification.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

========

LC004011

========

LC004011 - Page 3 of 3