Bill > HR2065

This bill aims to enhance penalties for individuals who commit certain offenses while wearing masks or disguises, with a specific focus on protests and demonstrations related to Hamas and anti-Israel activities. The bill creates new federal criminal provisions that impose additional prison time for people who interfere with protected rights while wearing a disguise, with a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison. Specifically, the legislation targets individuals who injure, threaten, or intimidate others while masked, with the intent of preventing them from exercising their constitutional rights. The bill also adds a mandatory two-year prison sentence for anyone who destroys buildings or property while wearing a disguise within special maritime and territorial jurisdictions. The legislation was motivated by a series of findings highlighting violent student protests, property damage at universities, vandalism of memorials, and anonymous threats, particularly those perceived as sympathetic to Hamas. The bill explicitly states that law enforcement officers are exempt from these provisions when lawfully carrying out their duties, and it does not intend to prevent peaceful, lawful protest, but rather to deter masked individuals from engaging in destructive or threatening behavior.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2065/all-info