# Plain Language Summary: David Dorn Act of 2021

This bill increases the criminal penalties for rioting in the United States. Currently, federal law allows judges to sentence someone convicted of rioting to up to five years in prison. This bill would double that maximum sentence to ten years. Additionally, the bill adds a mandatory minimum fine of at least $1,000 for anyone convicted of rioting, whereas there's currently no minimum fine requirement.

The bill is named after David Dorn, a retired St. Louis police captain who was killed during civil unrest in 2020. By increasing the potential prison time and adding a mandatory fine, the legislation aims to create stronger deterrents against rioting and give prosecutors and judges more tools to punish people involved in violent or destructive group disturbances. This would primarily affect people charged with federal rioting offenses—typically cases involving interstate commerce disruption, federal property damage, or riots that cross state lines, rather than local disturbances handled by state courts.

The practical impact is that people convicted of rioting could face significantly longer prison sentences than they do today. Someone who might have received a three-year sentence under current law could potentially receive a much longer sentence under this new law. The mandatory $1,000 fine means that even first-time offenders would face financial penalties in addition to any prison time a judge decides to impose.

David Dorn Act of 2021

Rep. Arrington, Jodey C. [R-TX-19]

David Dorn Act of 2021 This bill increases criminal penalties for rioting and related offenses (e.g., inciting a riot). Specifically, the bill increases the maximum prison term from 5 to 10 years. Additionally, if a fine is imposed for an offense, the bill sets a minimum fine amount of $1,000.