Bill · H.R. 2065· House(119-HR-2065)
Unmasking Hamas Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 3/11/2025
- Last activity
- 3/11/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Addison McDowell
- Cosponsors
- - 12 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Unmasking Hamas Act of 2025" seeks to amend title 18 of the United States Code. It aims to provide penalty enhancements for individuals who commit certain offenses while wearing a disguise, such as a mask. Specifically, the bill targets those who use disguises to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate others while interfering with their protected rights. It also adds a specific term of imprisonment for those who destroy buildings or property within special maritime and territorial jurisdiction while disguised.
Yes
Does this give the federal government more power?+3
The bill expands federal criminal jurisdiction by adding new penalty enhancements to Title 18.
The opposite· 3 of 5
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?-4
The bill could potentially have a chilling effect on protesters by increasing penalties for activities involving masks.
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?-4
The bill may discourage expression by penalizing mask-wearing during protests.
Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?-3
The bill introduces harsher criminal penalties and longer prison terms for offenses committed while in a disguise.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Enhanced protection of rights: The bill establishes a new section in title 18 that penalizes those who use a disguise, including a mask, to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate people while they are exercising their constitutional rights or privileges (Section 3(a)).
-
Increased penalties for property destruction: For individuals committing offenses involving the destruction of buildings or property within special maritime and territorial jurisdiction, the bill adds a 2-year prison sentence if a disguise or mask is worn (Section 4).
-
Clarification for law enforcement: The bill includes a rule of construction ensuring that law enforcement officers are not deterred from carrying out their lawful duties or enforcing laws while wearing disguises or masks (Section 3(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Increased prison time for specific crimes: Individuals committing offenses under section 1363 who wear a disguise or mask could face an additional 2 years of imprisonment (Section 4).
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New criminal penalties for interfering with rights: Anyone who, while in a disguise or mask, injures, oppresses, threatens, or intimidates a person while interfering with their protected rights could face a fine and/or up to 15 years in prison (Section 3(a)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Freedom Of Speech-4Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform-3Improves Policing Reform-2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students-3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+3Improves Freedom Of Speech-4
- 4/30/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/25/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/18/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/11/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 9 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Chuck EdwardsRepublican · North Carolina
Craig GoldmanRepublican · Texas
Brandon GillRepublican · Texas
Richard HudsonRepublican · North Carolina
Diana HarshbargerRepublican · Tennessee
Abraham HamadehRepublican · Arizona
Pat HarriganRepublican · North Carolina
Mark HarrisRepublican · North Carolina
Brian JackRepublican · Georgia
Brad KnottRepublican · North Carolina
Riley MooreRepublican · West Virginia
Randy WeberRepublican · Texas