Bill · H.R. 4287· House(119-HR-4287)
Enhanced Penalties for Criminal Flag Burners Act
- Introduced
- 7/2/2025
- Last activity
- 7/2/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Tim Moore
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Enhanced Penalties for Criminal Flag Burners Act," aims to increase penalties for using incendiary devices during federal offenses. It specifically addresses the use of open flames or the burning of the United States flag during crimes involving property damage, obstruction of government operations, or public endangerment. The act would add a new section to the United States Code. This new section would mandate an enhanced prison term of at least one year for those who knowingly use such devices during these specific crimes. This change applies to both improvised and commercially manufactured fire-starting tools.
Yes
Does this give the federal government more power?+3
The bill expands federal criminal authority by adding new mandatory sentencing requirements to the United States Code.
The opposite
Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?-3
The bill increases criminal penalties by mandating a minimum of one year of additional imprisonment for specific offenses.
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?-2
While it includes a rule of construction for protected speech, the new criminal penalties for incendiary acts may have a chilling effect on protest-related conduct.
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?-2
While it includes a rule of construction for protected speech, the new criminal penalties for incendiary acts may have a chilling effect on protest-related conduct.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Public Safety and Property Protection: The bill finds that the unauthorized use of incendiary devices and open flames poses a threat to public safety and Federal property (Section 2(a)(1)).
-
Mitigation of Intimidation and Unrest: The act identifies that burning the flag during a crime can be used to provoke civic unrest or intimidate officials (Section 2(a)(3)). By enhancing penalties, it addresses these aggravating factors.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Increased Imprisonment Terms: Individuals committing a Federal offense involving property damage, obstruction of government operations, or public endangerment who knowingly use an open flame or incendiary device—including burning the flag—would face an additional prison term of at least one year (Section 3(a)(b)).
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 Criminal Sentencing Reform-3Improves Freedom Of Speech-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+3Improves Freedom Of Speech-2
- 7/2/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Pat HarriganRepublican · North Carolina
Troy NehlsRepublican · Texas
Ralph NormanRepublican · South Carolina