Sponsors (5)
The bill strengthens protection and criminal penalties for National Guard members in deployments, but expands federal criminal exposure in ways that could chill lawful nearby protest and increase federal costs.
National Guard members deployed in public settings will be protected from close-range intimidation or interference by creation of a marked 15-foot protective zone around them.
National Guard members will have greater deterrence and accountability for assaults against them because the bill creates federal criminal penalties (fines and up to 1 year imprisonment, up to 5 years for assaults such as touching or spitting).
People exercising lawful First Amendment activities outside the posted protective zone retain explicit protection, preserving the right to protest outside the restricted area.
Protesters and bystanders near Guard deployments could face prosecution because the bill's intent element may be broadly interpreted, risking chill of lawful speech and peaceful protest.
People (including innocent bystanders) who enter the 15-foot zone may face new federal criminal exposure—even inadvertently—if prosecutors allege intent to impede or intimidate.
Expanding federal criminal law increases the potential for federal prosecutions and incarceration costs that could raise expenses for taxpayers and shift matters from state/local systems to federal authorities.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Makes it a federal crime to knowingly enter or remain within a posted 15-foot protective zone around National Guard members during Title 10 or 32 deployments, with fines and 1–5 years prison depending on conduct.
Introduced March 12, 2026 by Sheri Biggs · Last progress March 12, 2026
Creates a federal crime that makes it illegal to knowingly enter or stay within a posted protective zone (up to 15 feet) around National Guard members while they are deployed under Title 10 or Title 32, if the person intends to impede, intimidate, or interfere with the member’s official duties. Penalties include fines and up to 1 year in prison, with a maximum of 5 years if the offender makes physical contact with, throws an object at, or spits on the Guard member; the bill preserves constitutionally protected speech conducted outside the posted zone.