Safe and Open Streets Act

This proposal would change federal criminal law to make it a crime to interfere with commerce by blocking public roads. In short, it targets road blockages that stop people and goods from moving, and sets a criminal penalty for doing so.

Key points:

• Who is affected: People who block public roads in ways that disrupt traffic and business; drivers and businesses that rely on open roads.
• What changes: It adds a federal criminal penalty for blocking roads when it interferes with commerce.
• Day-to-day impact: Could lead to quicker clearing of road blockages and possible federal charges for those who block roads and disrupt travel or deliveries.