An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in assault, providing for the offense of masked intimidation; and imposing penalties.

This bill creates a new crime called masked intimidation in Pennsylvania, which occurs when someone wearing a facial covering intentionally harasses, intimidates, or threatens another person or group with the goal of making them fear for their physical safety. The offense is classified as a third-degree misdemeanor, but the law includes specific exceptions that allow individuals to wear masks for purposes such as costumes, religious reasons, occupational safety, weather protection, or health measures like limiting the spread of illness. The legislation explicitly states that it does not infringe upon First Amendment rights and defines key terms like harassment and intimidation to focus on conduct based on protected characteristics such as race, religion, or gender identity.