National Guard Protective Zone Act

Key Points

• Creates a new federal crime for knowingly entering or staying within a marked “protective zone” around a National Guard member during certain deployments.
• The protective zone is a perimeter up to 15 feet from the Guard member, marked by verbal warnings, signs, tape, or similar clear notice.
• If someone enters the zone intending to impede, intimidate, or interfere with the Guard member’s official duties, they could face up to 1 year in prison.
• The maximum penalty rises to 5 years if the person makes physical contact, throws an object, or spits on the Guard member while committing the offense.
• Says it does not ban First Amendment-protected activity as long as it is done outside the posted protective zone.