Bill · S. 3558· Senate(119-S-3558)
National Guard Protective Zone Act
- Introduced
- 12/18/2025
- Last activity
- 12/18/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Tom Cotton
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The National Guard Protective Zone Act creates criminal penalties for people who interfere with National Guard protective zones. These zones are areas within 15 feet of a National Guard member that are marked by signage, warnings, or barricades. It is illegal to knowingly enter or stay in these zones to impede, intimidate, or interfere with a member's official duties during authorized deployments. Violators face fines and up to one year in prison. This penalty increases to five years if the person makes physical contact, throws an object, or spits on the member.
Yes
Does this give the federal government more power?+3
Creates new federal criminal offenses and penalties under Title 18.
The opposite
Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?-5
Creates new criminal penalties and increases prison terms for interfering with Guard zones.
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?-2
Restricts movement and activity within 15 feet of Guard members, potentially impacting protest capabilities.
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?-2
Imposes criminal penalties for presence within protective zones, potentially chilling free expression.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Protection of National Guard Members: Section 2(b) and (c) create legal consequences for those who intimidate or interfere with members, which may increase the safety of these individuals during their official duties.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Criminal Penalties and Imprisonment: Section 2(c) establishes that individuals can be fined or imprisoned for up to one year for entering a protective zone with intent to interfere.
- Increased Prison Time for Specific Actions: Section 2(c)(2) increases the maximum imprisonment to five years if a person throws an object, spits on, or makes physical contact with a National Guard member.
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-5Improves Freedom Of Speech-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+3Improves Freedom Of Speech-2
- 12/18/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Ted BuddRepublican · North Carolina