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Protecting Civil Rights Memorials: New Penalties for Vandalism

This act aims to protect important sites and memorials commemorating the struggle for civil rights in the U.S. It introduces penalties for their destruction, such as community service, fines, or imprisonment, depending on the value of the damage. This ensures these historical places are preserved for future generations.
Key points
Damaging civil rights memorials, like the Edmund Pettus Bridge or the National Civil Rights Museum, is now a crime.
Penalties for damage up to $5,000 include up to 300 hours of community service, a fine, or up to one year in prison; over $5,000 incurs a fine or up to 3 years in prison.
The act mandates the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights to create and annually update a list of civil rights events and figures to be protected.
Individuals convicted of damaging memorials will be ordered to pay restitution for the harm caused.
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_1110
Sponsor: Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9]
Process start date: 2021-02-18
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Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Civil Rights Legacy Protection Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_1110.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-02-18.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Damaging civil rights memorials, like the Edmund Pettus Bridge or the National Civil Rights Museum, is now a crime.
  • Penalties for damage up to $5,000 include up to 300 hours of community service, a fine, or up to one year in prison; over $5,000 incurs a fine or up to 3 years in prison.
  • The act mandates the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights to create and annually update a list of civil rights events and figures to be protected.
  • Individuals convicted of damaging memorials will be ordered to pay restitution for the harm caused.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-27.

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