Bill > SB2222

This bill establishes a new legal pathway for individuals and the state to seek damages from those who pay others to participate in demonstrations, if the paid participants engage in illegal conduct. Specifically, it defines "compensation" as any payment or valuable consideration for participation in a "demonstration," which is a public gathering protesting something or expressing views on a political issue, and a "demonstrator" as someone who personally attends such a gathering. The bill allows for "vicarious liability," meaning a person who pays a demonstrator can be held responsible for damages caused by that demonstrator if their actions meet the criteria for certain criminal offenses, such as rioting, disorderly conduct, or obstructing a public way. To prove this liability, a plaintiff must show by a "preponderance of the evidence" (meaning it's more likely than not) that compensation was provided for participation and that the demonstrator's conduct was illegal, and that the plaintiff suffered a loss as a result; importantly, a criminal conviction of the demonstrator is not required. The bill also allows the state's Attorney General to bring lawsuits in similar circumstances.