National Guard Protective Zone Act
Rep. Biggs Introduces Bill to Create 15-Foot Protective Zones Around National Guard Members
This bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and is being reviewed by the House Committee on the Judiciary. It is considered active, but no future hearings or votes have been scheduled yet. There is no companion bill for this legislation at this time.
Legislative Progress
This bill is sponsored by a small group of Republicans and lacks the broad support needed to pass through a divided Congress. It would likely face strong opposition from those concerned about protest rights.
Key Points
- The bill creates a new federal crime for entering a 15-foot "protective zone" around a National Guard member with the intent to impede, intimidate, or interfere with their duties. The zone must be clearly marked with warnings, signs, tape, or other reasonable means.
From policy text
“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.”
View in full text - Violating the protective zone carries up to one year in prison. If someone makes physical contact with, throws something at, or spits on a Guard member, the maximum sentence jumps to five years.
From policy text
“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.”
View in full text - The law would apply whenever the National Guard is deployed under federal authority (chapter 15 of title 10) or under state authority (title 32), covering scenarios like border operations, disaster response, and civil disturbances.
From policy text
“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”
View in full text - The bill includes a carve-out for First Amendment activity, saying it does not prohibit free speech or protest as long as people stay outside the posted protective zone.
From policy text
“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.”
View in full text
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
2 articlesNational Guard Protective Zone Act: New Penalties for Interference
The National Guard Protective Zone Act would create a 15-foot protective zone around any Guardsman in uniform. Entering with intent to harass would be a federal misdemeanor, while physical aggression like spitting or throwing objects would be a felony with up to five years in prison.
Cotton Introduces Bill to Protect National Guardsmen
Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced the National Guard Protective Zone Act to establish criminal penalties for interfering with National Guard members. The bill defines a 15-foot zone marked by signs or tape to protect troops from harassment during domestic missions.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
National Guard Protective Zone Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(4)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.