Marjorie Greene (R-GA)
Matthew Lawrence Perna Act of 2025
A Republican bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Matthew Lawrence Perna Act of 2025 aims to amend title 18 of the United States Code to protect nonviolent political protesters. It prohibits the detention of individuals charged with covered political protest offenses that are not crimes of violence. The bill establishes a civil action for persons detained during a trial who are ultimately not convicted or have charges dropped. It also introduces provisions for addressing malicious overprosecution and limiting the use of national security authority against citizens. Additionally, the act addresses the disclosure of investigations, sentencing considerations, and the ability to transfer trial venues.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +7
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill increases transparency regarding government investigations of citizens.
- Scored +7
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?
The bill restricts pre-trial detention for certain nonviolent political offenses.
- Scored +6
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?
It protects political protesters from detention and overprosecution.
The opposite
- Scored -5
Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country?
The bill restricts the use of national security authority against citizens.
- Scored -3
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill limits the scope of federal national security authority.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection from Pre-trial Detention: A person charged with a covered political protest offense that is not a crime of violence may not be detained. (Section 2)
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Ability to Seek Damages: Individuals who are not convicted or have charges dropped after being detained during a trial may bring a civil action in a district court against the United States and its officers for compensatory damages. (Section 2)
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Legal Recourse for Overprosecution: The bill adds "malicious overprosecution" as a term alongside false arrest and malicious prosecution for legal actions. (Section 4)
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Restrictions on National Security Authority: National security authority may not be used against a United States citizen unless they are intentionally acting as an agent of a foreign power or entity. (Section 5)
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Increased Transparency Regarding Investigations: The provisions of section 552(b) of title 5 will not apply to requests by a U.S. citizen seeking information on whether the government is or was surveilling or investigating them. (Section 6)
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Venue Flexibility: Individuals facing criminal trial in the District of Columbia may choose to move their trial venue to the district court for the district and division where their primary residence is located. (Section 8)
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly detailed in the text provided.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The bill restricts pre-trial detention for certain nonviolent political offenses. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill increases transparency regarding government investigations of citizens. Does this protect the individual right to speak freely? — It protects political protesters from detention and overprosecution. Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — It increases a citizen's ability to access information about their own government investigations. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill limits the scope of federal national security authority.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life? — The bill protects nonviolent political protesters from detention and overprosecution. Does this change how police departments operate? — The bill limits the use of national security authority and provides recourse for overprosecution. Does this shorten or soften prison sentences? — It includes a sense of Congress that judges should impose sentences consistent with minimum guidelines for protest offenses.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country? — The bill restricts the use of national security authority against citizens.
- 1/9/2025
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Thomas MassieRepublican · Kentucky