H.R. 7898

119 HR 7898 IH: National Guard Protective Zone Act
 U.S. House of Representatives
 2026-03-12
 text/xml
 EN
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 I  119th CONGRESS  2d Session  H. R. 7898  IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES   March 12, 2026   Mrs. Biggs of South Carolina  (for herself,  Mr. DesJarlais ,  Mr. Higgins of Louisiana , and  Mr. Moore of Alabama ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the  Committee on the Judiciary    A BILL
To amend title 18, United States Code, to establish criminal penalties for interfering with National Guard protective zones.
1.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the   National Guard Protective Zone Act  .
2.
Interference with National Guard protective zone
(a)
In general
 Chapter 67  of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
1390.
Interference with National Guard protective zone
(a)
Definition
In this section, the term  posted protective zone  means an area around a member of the National Guard—
(1)
the perimeter of which is not more than 15 feet from the member; and
(2)
that is marked by a verbal warning, visible signage, barricade tape, or other reasonable means.
(b)
Offense
It shall be unlawful, during a deployment authorized under  chapter 15  of title 10 or under title 32, for any person to knowingly enter or remain within a posted protective zone with the intent to impede, intimidate, or interfere with the official duties of a member of the National Guard who is within the posted protective zone.
(c)
Penalties
(1)
In general
Except as provided in paragraph (2), any person who violates subsection (b) shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.
(2)
Aggravated penalty
If, in the course of committing a violation of subsection (b), a person makes physical contact with, throws an object at, or spits on the member of the National Guard, the maximum term of imprisonment under paragraph (1) shall be 5 years.
(d)
Rule of construction
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit activity protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States that is conducted outside a posted protective zone.
 .
(b)
Technical and conforming amendment
The table of sections for  chapter 67  of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
1390. Interference with National Guard protective zone.
  .