National Guard Protective Zone Act

119 HR 7898 IH: National Guard Protective Zone Act U.S. House of Representatives 2026-03-12 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 7898 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 12, 2026 Mrs. Biggs of South Carolina (for herself, Mr. DesJarlais , Mr. Higgins of Louisiana , and Mr. Moore of Alabama ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary A BILL To amend title 18, United States Code, to establish criminal penalties for interfering with National Guard protective zones. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the National Guard Protective Zone Act . 2. Interference with National Guard protective zone (a) In general Chapter 67 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 1390. Interference with National Guard protective zone (a) Definition In this section, the term posted protective zone means an area around a member of the National Guard— (1) the perimeter of which is not more than 15 feet from the member; and (2) that is marked by a verbal warning, visible signage, barricade tape, or other reasonable means. (b) Offense 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. (c) Penalties (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), any person who violates subsection (b) shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both. (2) Aggravated penalty If, in the course of committing a violation of subsection (b), a person makes physical contact with, throws an object at, or spits on the member of the National Guard, the maximum term of imprisonment under paragraph (1) shall be 5 years. (d) Rule of construction 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. . (b) Technical and conforming amendment The table of sections for chapter 67 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 1390. Interference with National Guard protective zone. .