H.R. 277: Matthew Lawrence Perna Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Matthew Lawrence Perna Act of 2025, aims to provide specific protections for individuals involved in nonviolent political protests. Below are the key components of the bill:

Release from Detention

The bill amends existing law to state that a person who is charged with a political protest-related offense that is classified as nonviolent cannot be held in detention before their trial. This means if someone is accused of a crime that occurred during a political protest and that crime does not involve violence, they cannot be kept in custody while awaiting trial.

Definition of Covered Political Protest Offenses

A "covered political protest offense" is defined as any offense that arises from political protest activities and is not categorized as a crime of violence according to legal definitions.

Civil Actions for Detained Individuals

If a person is detained for a political protest-related charge and later found not guilty or if the charges are dropped, they are allowed to file a lawsuit against the United States and relevant federal employees to seek compensatory damages for their detention.

Speedy Trials

The bill mandates that individuals charged with political protest offenses should be entitled to a speedy trial, ensuring they are not subjected to undue delays in the judicial process.

Protection Against Malicious Prosecution

The bill adds provisions that allow individuals to seek remedies for what is defined as "malicious overprosecution." This term refers to cases where a person is charged with offenses that are significantly disproportionate to their alleged conduct, particularly when the prosecution is driven by personal or political bias.

Limits on National Security Authority

It restricts the application of national security powers against U.S. citizens, stating that such authority cannot be used unless the citizen is acting as an agent of a foreign power. This aims to protect citizens from being wrongly targeted under national security laws.

Disclosure of Investigations

The bill allows individuals to request information regarding whether the U.S. government has surveilled or investigated them. The normal restrictions on disclosing such information would not apply in these cases, ensuring greater transparency.

Sentencing Recommendations

It expresses that Congress believes judges should impose sentences for political protest-related offenses that are consistent with the minimum guidelines set forth for those offenses, aiming for fair sentencing practices.

Transfer of Venue for Trials

The bill allows individuals on trial for offenses committed in Washington, D.C., to choose to have their trial held in their home jurisdiction. This is significant for those who may feel that a trial in D.C. is biased or unfair.

Summary of Purpose

Overall, the Matthew Lawrence Perna Act of 2025 seeks to establish clearer protections and rights for nonviolent political protesters, focusing on ensuring fair treatment within the legal system.

Relevant Companies

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