Bill > S3558

This bill, titled the National Guard Protective Zone Act, amends federal law to establish criminal penalties for interfering with National Guard members. Specifically, it creates a new offense for knowingly entering or remaining within a "posted protective zone" around a National Guard member with the intent to impede their official duties, during deployments authorized under federal law (chapter 15 of title 10 or title 32). A "posted protective zone" is defined as an area within 15 feet of a National Guard member that is clearly marked by verbal warnings, signs, tape, or other reasonable means. Violators face fines and up to one year in prison, with an aggravated penalty of up to five years imprisonment if they make physical contact with, throw an object at, or spit on the National Guard member. The bill clarifies that this does not prohibit First Amendment protected activity conducted outside of these zones.