The bill would create a federal offense for someone who, while disguised, injures, threatens, intimidates, or oppresses a person because they are exercising a right protected by the U.S. Constitution or federal law. The offense could bring a fine, up to 15 years in prison, or both. The bill also adds two years in prison for destroying buildings or property covered by a federal statute when the person wears a disguise during the offense. It says lawful actions by law enforcement officers are not violations of the new offense.
A disguise or mask alone would not meet the new offense’s requirements. The person must also engage in the specified conduct against someone exercising a protected right. People who commit the covered property-destruction offense while disguised could face an additional two-year prison term.
No publicly available information.
The bill’s findings say that masked violent protests have damaged property, blocked access to education, and involved confrontations with police. These are statements in the bill, not evidence of the bill’s effects.
No publicly available information.