Bill > HR7898

This bill, titled the National Guard Protective Zone Act, proposes to amend federal law to create criminal penalties for interfering with designated safe areas around National Guard members. Specifically, it defines a "posted protective zone" as an area within 15 feet of a National Guard member that is clearly marked by verbal warnings, signs, tape, or other reasonable means. The bill makes it illegal to knowingly enter or stay within such a zone with the intent to obstruct, threaten, or hinder a National Guard member performing their official duties during deployments authorized under federal law (chapter 15 of title 10 or title 32). Violators could face fines and up to one year in prison, with the penalty increasing to five years if the person makes physical contact with, throws an object at, or spits on the National Guard member. The bill clarifies that this law does not restrict First Amendment protected activities conducted outside these zones.