National Guard Protective Zone Act

This bill, known as the National Guard Protective Zone Act , aims to establish criminal penalties for individuals who interfere with members of the National Guard during their authorized deployments. It defines a "posted protective zone" as an area with a perimeter of no more than 15 feet around a National Guard member, which must be clearly marked by verbal warning, visible signage, barricade tape, or other reasonable means. Under this Act, it is unlawful for any person to knowingly enter or remain within such a posted protective zone with the intent to impede, intimidate, or interfere with the official duties of a National Guard member. Violators face penalties including fines and imprisonment for up to one year, with an aggravated penalty of up to five years imprisonment if the offense involves physical contact, throwing an object at, or spitting on a National Guard member. The bill also clarifies that it does not prohibit First Amendment-protected activities conducted outside these designated protective zones.