Bill · H.R. 277· House(119-HR-277)
Matthew Lawrence Perna Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 1/9/2025
- Last activity
- 1/9/2025 — Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Marjorie Greene
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Matthew Lawrence Perna Act of 2025 aims to amend title 18 of the United States Code to protect nonviolent political protesters. It prohibits the detention of individuals charged with covered political protest offenses that are not crimes of violence. The bill establishes a civil action for persons detained during a trial who are ultimately not convicted or have charges dropped. It also introduces provisions for addressing malicious overprosecution and limiting the use of national security authority against citizens. Additionally, the act addresses the disclosure of investigations, sentencing considerations, and the ability to transfer trial venues.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+7
The bill increases transparency regarding government investigations of citizens.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+7
The bill restricts pre-trial detention for certain nonviolent political offenses.
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?+6
It protects political protesters from detention and overprosecution.
The opposite
Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country?-5
The bill restricts the use of national security authority against citizens.
Does this give the federal government more power?-3
The bill limits the scope of federal national security authority.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection from Pre-trial Detention: A person charged with a covered political protest offense that is not a crime of violence may not be detained. (Section 2)
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Ability to Seek Damages: Individuals who are not convicted or have charges dropped after being detained during a trial may bring a civil action in a district court against the United States and its officers for compensatory damages. (Section 2)
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Legal Recourse for Overprosecution: The bill adds "malicious overprosecution" as a term alongside false arrest and malicious prosecution for legal actions. (Section 4)
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Restrictions on National Security Authority: National security authority may not be used against a United States citizen unless they are intentionally acting as an agent of a foreign power or entity. (Section 5)
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Increased Transparency Regarding Investigations: The provisions of section 552(b) of title 5 will not apply to requests by a U.S. citizen seeking information on whether the government is or was surveilling or investigating them. (Section 6)
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Venue Flexibility: Individuals facing criminal trial in the District of Columbia may choose to move their trial venue to the district court for the district and division where their primary residence is located. (Section 8)
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly detailed in the text provided.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+7Improves Government Transparency+7Improves Freedom Of Speech+6Improves Privacy Rights+5Increases Federal Power-3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+6Improves Policing Reform+5Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform+4
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Domestic Surveillance-5
- 1/9/2025
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Thomas MassieRepublican · Kentucky