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Congress·In Committee·2 months ago

Congress proposes new federal penalties for entering marked 15-foot zones around deployed National Guard

Also known as: National Guard Protective Zone Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
Senate
House
President

Impacts

Negative Impacts(1)
Criminal Record
Hurts
Positive Impacts(1)
Military Active
Helps

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.
Criminal JusticeCivil RightsNational Security

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Dec 18, 2025Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Dec 18, 2025

Introduced in Senate

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

As soon as the law takes effect after enactment (the bill does not list a delayed start).

If Congress passes the bill and it becomes law, entering a marked 15-foot protective zone with intent to interfere becomes a new federal crime during covered National Guard deployments.

People near Guard deployments would need to keep clear of posted buffer areas or risk arrest and federal charges, even if the zone is created with tape, signage, or a verbal warning.

During the next National Guard deployment covered by the law.

Law enforcement and Guard units begin using warnings, signs, or barricade tape to mark protective zones during deployments.

You may see clearer “do not cross” markings around individual Guard members, and failure to step back after a warning could lead to arrest if officials believe you intend to interfere.

Related News

1 article
The Daily Wire·2 months ago

National Guard Under Attack From ‘Deranged Individuals’ In U.S. Cities, Senator Says

Covers introduction of the National Guard Protective Zone Act and details the 15-foot posted zone plus misdemeanor/felony penalties for interference or contact/spitting/throwing objects.

R+

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

National Guard Protective Zone Act

Bill NumberS 3558
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionRead twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)
R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.