Bill > HR4846

This bill, known as the Reinstating Orderly Access for Drivers Act (ROAD Act), introduces a new legal provision that creates an affirmative defense in criminal or civil lawsuits involving motor vehicle incidents where a participant has been convicted of riot. Specifically, the bill allows defendants in personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage lawsuits to argue that the damages arose from an injury sustained during a riot. The affirmative defense can be established either by showing the participant has been convicted under section 2101 (relating to riots) or by proving the commission of such a crime by a preponderance of the evidence. Additionally, the bill provides that in civil actions where this defense is raised, courts must stay (pause) the civil proceedings if there is a related ongoing criminal action, unless the court determines that a potential criminal conviction would not serve as a valid defense. This legislation appears to provide legal protection for defendants in motor vehicle-related lawsuits stemming from riot-related incidents, potentially making it more difficult for plaintiffs to successfully sue in such circumstances.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4846/all-info