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Committee approves civil-liability bill targeting paid demonstrators and those who compensate them
Summary
SB 22-22, as amended, would allow civil actions to impose vicarious liability on people who compensate demonstrators when the demonstrator's conduct meets certain criminal elements; the amendment authorizes the attorney general to sue in the public interest and passed the committee.
The committee adopted an amendment to SB 22-22 that creates a civil cause of action to hold accountable anyone who pays demonstrators when their conduct satisfies specified criminal offenses.
Sponsor Lee Johnson told the panel the amendment "would create a civil cause of action allowing a person to establish vicarious liability against someone who compensates a demonstrator to participate in a demonstration when the demonstrator's conduct satisfies the elements of specified criminal offenses." He emphasized the legislation does not create new crimes, does not prohibit demonstrations and requires proof by a preponderance of evidence that compensation was provided.
During questioning, committee members pressed for concrete examples and cautioned about chilling lawful protest; the sponsor said the measure targets paid actors who engage in riotous or violent conduct and that law enforcement had reported suspected out-of-state bussed-in actors. The amendment and the bill passed the committee and were sent to calendar.
