Bill > HR277

This bill, named the Matthew Lawrence Perna Act of 2025, introduces several protections for nonviolent political protesters and reforms in federal legal proceedings. The bill prevents detention of individuals charged with nonviolent political protest offenses, allowing them to remain free pending trial. It establishes a civil action mechanism for individuals who are detained but not ultimately convicted, enabling them to seek compensatory damages from the United States government. The bill also mandates a speedy trial for nonviolent political protesters and provides legal remedies against malicious prosecution, defining it as charging someone without probable cause or with charges grossly disproportionate to their alleged conduct. Additionally, the legislation limits the use of national security authorities against U.S. citizens, restricting their application to cases where a citizen is intentionally acting as a foreign agent. The bill further requires transparency by mandating disclosure of investigations upon a citizen's request and includes a congressional recommendation that judges impose minimum sentences for covered political protest offenses. Lastly, it grants defendants in criminal trials in the District of Columbia the right to choose their trial venue based on their primary residence, potentially providing more favorable legal settings.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/277/all-info