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Protecting Peaceful Protesters: New Rights and Compensation

The Matthew Lawrence Perna Act of 2024 introduces changes aimed at protecting individuals involved in peaceful political protests. Citizens charged with nonviolent offenses during protests cannot be detained before trial and gain the right to a speedy trial. Additionally, the act allows for compensation claims for wrongful detention and limits the use of national security authorities against citizens.
Key points
Individuals charged with nonviolent political protest offenses cannot be detained before trial.
Citizens wrongfully detained who are later acquitted or have charges dropped can seek compensatory damages from the government.
The act establishes a right to a speedy trial for those accused of peaceful protest-related offenses.
National security authorities will be limited in their use against U.S. citizens, unless they are intentionally acting as agents of a foreign power.
Citizens will gain the right to request information about whether they are or were under surveillance or investigation by the U.S. government.
In criminal trials in the District of Columbia, individuals can choose the venue for proceedings and trial to be in the district of their primary residence.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_7540
Sponsor: Rep. Greene, Marjorie Taylor [R-GA-14]
Process start date: 2024-03-05
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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 2024

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_HR_7540.

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 2024-03-05.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Individuals charged with nonviolent political protest offenses cannot be detained before trial.
  • Citizens wrongfully detained who are later acquitted or have charges dropped can seek compensatory damages from the government.
  • The act establishes a right to a speedy trial for those accused of peaceful protest-related offenses.
  • National security authorities will be limited in their use against U.S. citizens, unless they are intentionally acting as agents of a foreign power.
  • Citizens will gain the right to request information about whether they are or were under surveillance or investigation by the U.S. government.
  • In criminal trials in the District of Columbia, individuals can choose the venue for proceedings and trial to be in the district of 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. Greene, Marjorie Taylor [R-GA-14].

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 2025-12-25.

CATEGORIES

Courts and Law Security