Bills/S. 399

Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act of 2025

Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act of 2025

In CommitteeJudiciarySenateSenate Bill · 119th Congress
Bill Progress · Senate
Introduced
Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Passed Both
Signed

Plain Language Summary

# Summary of the Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act of 2025 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would increase the maximum prison sentence for protesting outside the homes or buildings of judges, jurors, court staff, and witnesses from one year to five years. The law would apply specifically when protesters intend to interfere with the justice system or try to influence how these officials perform their duties. The bill is sponsored by Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and is currently awaiting committee review. **Who It Affects and Key Considerations** The bill primarily affects protesters and those engaging in demonstrations near judges' residences or court-related buildings.

Supporters argue it protects judicial officials from intimidation and allows them to work without fear. Critics raise First Amendment concerns, noting that protest is a protected form of speech and that the bill could restrict legitimate peaceful demonstrations. The existing law already prohibits such picketing with criminal intent; this bill would simply make the penalty significantly harsher. **Current Status** The bill is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.

CRS Official Summary

Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act of 2025 This bill increases the statutory maximum prison term—from one year to five years—for picketing or parading in or near a building or residence used by a judge, juror, witness, or court officer with the intent of interfering with, obstructing, or impeding the administration of justice, or with the intent of influencing a judge, juror, witness, or court officer, in the discharge of his or her duty.

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Latest Action

February 4, 2025

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Subjects

Criminal procedure and sentencingFirst Amendment rightsJudgesProtest and dissentSupreme Court

Sponsor

5 cosponsors

Key Dates

Introduced
February 4, 2025
Last Updated
February 4, 2025
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