The Matthew Lawrence Perna Act of 2025 introduces several protections for individuals involved in nonviolent political protests. It amends federal law to prohibit the pre-trial detention of persons charged with a covered political protest offense , provided they are not also charged with a crime of violence. This bill also creates a new civil action, allowing individuals who were detained but not convicted or had charges dropped to seek compensatory damages against the United States or its officers. The legislation further addresses prosecutorial conduct by expanding remedies for malicious prosecution and introducing the concept of malicious overprosecution , defined as charging offenses grossly disproportionate to the alleged conduct. To enhance transparency and limit government overreach, the bill restricts the use of national security authority against U.S. citizens unless they are intentionally acting as foreign agents. It also mandates the disclosure of government investigations or surveillance of U.S. citizens upon their request, overriding certain Freedom of Information Act exemptions. Finally, the Act includes a Sense of Congress recommending that judges impose sentences consistent with the minimum guideline range for covered political protest offenses. It also grants individuals charged with a criminal offense in the District of Columbia the right to choose their trial venue in the district court embracing their primary residence. These provisions collectively aim to ensure a more equitable and transparent legal framework for those involved in political expression.