North Carolina anti-rioting bill becomes law without governor's approval

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has allowed a bill increasing penalties for rioters to become law without his signature, after blocking a similar bill in 2021. The legislation, proposed following the nationwide riots in 2020, increases punishments for violent rioters and creates new crimes for those who cause death or incite rioting that contributes to a death. The bill also lets property owners seek compensation from perpetrators and requires defendants accused of rioting or looting to wait 24 hours before their bond and pretrial release rules are set. Social justice advocates claim the measure restricts the right to protest and free speech, but supporters argue it protects the First Amendment rights of peaceful protesters while keeping them, law enforcement, and property owners safe from violence during any riot.