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Protecting Peaceful Protesters: New Rights and Compensation

This bill introduces changes aimed at protecting individuals involved in peaceful political protests. It limits the ability to detain such individuals before trial and allows them to seek compensation if wrongfully detained or charged. These changes aim to ensure greater justice and protection of civil rights in the context of protests.
Key points
Individuals charged with nonviolent political protest offenses cannot be detained before trial unless also charged with a violent crime.
Citizens wrongfully detained or charged with federal offenses can seek compensatory damages from the government.
A definition of "malicious overprosecution" is introduced, allowing claims when charges are grossly disproportionate to the alleged conduct.
Limits the use of national security authority against U.S. citizens unless they are intentionally acting as agents of a foreign power.
U.S. citizens have the right to request information about whether they are or were being surveilled or investigated by the government.
In cases involving political protest offenses, judges should impose sentences consistent with minimum guideline ranges.
Individuals charged with criminal offenses in the District of Columbia can choose the venue for their trial in the district court embracing their primary residence.
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_9583
Sponsor: Rep. Gohmert, Louie [R-TX-1]
Process start date: 2022-12-15
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Matthew Lawrence Perna Act of 2022

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_9583.

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 2022-12-15.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Individuals charged with nonviolent political protest offenses cannot be detained before trial unless also charged with a violent crime.
  • Citizens wrongfully detained or charged with federal offenses can seek compensatory damages from the government.
  • A definition of "malicious overprosecution" is introduced, allowing claims when charges are grossly disproportionate to the alleged conduct.
  • Limits the use of national security authority against U.S. citizens unless they are intentionally acting as agents of a foreign power.
  • U.S. citizens have the right to request information about whether they are or were being surveilled or investigated by the government.
  • In cases involving political protest offenses, judges should impose sentences consistent with minimum guideline ranges.
  • Individuals charged with criminal offenses in the District of Columbia can choose the venue for their trial in the district court embracing their primary residence.
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. Gohmert, Louie [R-TX-1].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in House

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-28.

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