S 3558
National Guard Protective Zone Act
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To President
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill creates a federal crime for interfering with National Guard members’ protective zones. It defines a ‘posted protective zone’ as an area around a National Guard member, marked by visual or verbal warnings, and prohibits individuals from knowingly entering or remaining within this zone with the intent to impede, intimidate, or interfere with the member’s duties. Violations can result in fines or imprisonment, with a more severe penalty of up to 5 years if physical contact or other threatening actions occur. The bill also clarifies that First Amendment rights are protected when exercised outside the designated zone.
Key provisions
- Defines a ‘posted protective zone’ around National Guard members.
- Prohibits knowingly entering or remaining in a posted protective zone to impede National Guard duties.
- Establishes criminal penalties for violating the law, including fines and imprisonment.
- Increases the maximum imprisonment term to 5 years if physical contact or threats occur.
- Clarifies that First Amendment rights are protected outside the posted zone.
Who is affected
- National Guard members
- Individuals who enter posted protective zones
- Federal law enforcement
Notable changes
- Creates a new federal crime specifically targeting interference with National Guard protective zones.
- Specifies the dimensions and marking requirements for a ‘posted protective zone’.
Sponsors
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Primary sponsor
Cosponsor
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119th CONGRESS — 1st Session
S. 3558
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
A BILL
To amend title 18, United States Code, to establish criminal penalties for interfering with National Guard protective zones.
This Act may be cited as the National Guard Protective Zone Act
.
Chapter 67 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
In this section, the term posted protective zone means an area around a member of the National Guard—
It shall be unlawful, during a deployment authorized under chapter 15 of title 10 or under title 32, for any person to knowingly enter or remain within a posted protective zone with the intent to impede, intimidate, or interfere with the official duties of a member of the National Guard who is within the posted protective zone.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit activity protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States that is conducted outside a posted protective zone.
The table of sections for chapter 67 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: