ROAD Act
Sponsored By: Representative Fine, Randy [R-FL-6]
Introduced
Summary
An affirmative defense for riot-related vehicle incidents. This bill would let a person facing criminal or civil claims for injuries or property damage from a motor vehicle argue the harm occurred while they were acting in furtherance of a riot.
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- People accused in criminal or civil cases could establish the defense by showing a conviction under 18 U.S.C. §2101 (riots) or by proving the crime occurred by a preponderance of the evidence.
- Victims seeking compensation may have their civil claims stayed because the court must pause a related civil action on the defendant's motion while the criminal case is pending.
- Courts would be required to stay civil suits on motion but may deny a stay if the judge finds a criminal conviction would not create a valid defense under the new section.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
New defense for drivers in riot cases
If enacted, this bill would create a new legal defense for people facing criminal or civil claims after a motor-vehicle incident tied to riot activity. It would apply when injury, death, or property damage arose from a participant acting in furtherance of a riot. The defense could be proven by showing the riot participant was convicted under the federal riot law, or by proving that crime by a preponderance of the evidence. In civil cases, if the defendant raises this defense, the court would pause the case while a related criminal case is pending, unless a conviction would not be a valid defense.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Fine, Randy [R-FL-6]
FL • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Gill, Brandon [R-TX-26]
TX • R
Sponsored 8/15/2025
Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17]
FL • R
Sponsored 9/11/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov