Federal law already makes it a crime for government officials to deprive someone of their constitutional rights "under color of law" — but the statute doesn't specifically mention the use of force during protests. This bill would explicitly add that scenario to the law, clarifying that excessive force by authorities during protest responses is covered. It would also remove the death penalty as a possible sentence for this crime, capping punishment at life imprisonment.
Congressional Summary
Protecting Our Protesters Act of 2025This bill modifies the criminal civil rights statute that prohibits deprivation of rights under color of law.Current law prohibits the deprivation of federally protected rights, privileges, or immunities by a government official (including a law enforcement officer).This bill specifies that use of force during a response to a protest constitutes a deprivation of rights, privileges, or immunities.Additionally, the bill removes the death penalty as a penalty option if death results or if certain aggravating factors are present.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2025-05-29
- Date Added
- 2026-04-15