H.R. 9575: Hold Vandals Accountable Act of 2026

This bill would change a federal criminal law about damaging or trying to damage property belonging to the U.S. government.

What the bill does

Current law under 18 U.S.C. 1361 applies a higher level of punishment when the amount of damage or attempted damage to federal property reaches $1,000. This bill would lower that threshold to $500.

Practical effect

• If someone damages, or tries to damage, U.S. government property and the value involved is $500 or more, the offense would be treated under the higher federal penalty threshold instead of waiting until the damage reaches $1,000.
• Cases involving smaller amounts, between $500 and $999, would be treated more seriously under this law than they are now.
• The bill does not change what counts as damaging property; it only lowers the dollar amount that triggers the law’s stricter treatment.

Scope

The bill applies to property of the United States government, including damage or attempted damage to that property. It does not appear to change rules for private property or state and local government property.

Relevant Companies

None found.