Sponsors (5)
The bill strengthens protection of intelligence facilities by creating clear criminal penalties for unauthorized entry, trading increased security and enforcement ability for a greater risk of criminalizing accidental entrants and higher prosecution costs borne by taxpayers.
Federal employees and sensitive intelligence facilities: criminal penalties for unauthorized entry deter trespass near classified operations, improving physical security for personnel and classified programs.
Law enforcement and federal agencies: a clear statutory penalty gives agencies an enforceable tool to respond to and deter breaches of sensitive infrastructure and protect personnel.
Individuals (including visitors or members of the public) who unintentionally enter a restricted area could face criminal charges and possible jail time, exposing ordinary people to harsh penalties for mistakes.
Taxpayers and the justice system: expanding criminalization is likely to increase prosecutions and related costs for courts, public defenders, and incarceration, imposing additional financial burdens on taxpayers.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a federal crime for unauthorized access to clearly marked intelligence community property and sets escalating penalties for repeat offenses.
Official title: Amend the National Security Act of 1947 to provide penalties for unauthorized access to intelligence community property, and for other purposes.
Introduced July 24, 2025 by Marion Michael Rounds · Last progress July 24, 2025
Makes it a federal crime to enter or access property controlled by an intelligence community element that is clearly marked as closed or restricted, unless authorized. The bill sets escalating criminal penalties for repeat offenses: up to 180 days for a first offense, up to 3 years for a second offense, and up to 10 years for a third or subsequent offense.