New laws in Republican-controlled states aim to crack down on riots

After nearly a year of protests and civil unrest, Republican governors and state legislators are broadening the definition of “riots.”

The measures come amid debate about police tactics and how far protests against them should be allowed to go in cities. The proposals have gained support since last summer after the death of George Floyd sparked violent mass protests across the country. Floyd, a black man, was killed by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was convicted Tuesday on murder and manslaughter charges.