Rep. Landgraf Files Bill to Put More Penalties on Rioting But Preserves the Right to Peacefully Protest

State Representative Brooks Landgraf files a new house bill to step up penalties on rioters while preserving the Constitutional rights of a peaceful protesters.

According to NewsWest 9, Landgraf just wants to make sure peaceful protests stay peaceful and prevent them from turning into violent riots.

“Our First Amendment right to peacefully assemble must be preserved and protected,” Landgraf said. “HB 2461 will protect the ability of Texans to exercise their constitutional rights by properly punishing those who seek to take advantage of peaceful protests through violence, looting and intimidation.”

This is to prevent rioters from going state to state and turning peaceful protests into violent protests where damage is done to people and property.

Landgraf and Governor Abbott believe in peaceful protests but want to have steeper penalties on those who want to turn it into a riot.

“Anyone who participates in violent riots should be held accountable for their actions. This legislation will help ensure that alleged rioters from out of state face the same standards of justice as those who call Texas home. I applaud Representative Landgraf for taking action to keep Texas a law-and-order state and I look forward to working with the Legislature to get this bill to my desk,” Governor Abbott said.

The bill will amend Texas law also to make sure violent rioters are denied bail if they are arrested for violent protests until the person makes their first court appearance.

“I’m thankful for Governor Abbott’s support of this important endeavor to preserve and protect the constitutional rights of law-abiding Texans. Those who seek to upend our constitutional republic by spreading chaos and anarchy will be met with firm resistance in the Lone Star State,” said Landgraf.

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