H.R. 5721 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on the Judiciary, Oct 8, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryProtects judges and court workers from picketing
Currently, there's a federal law that makes it illegal to picket or parade in or near certain buildings—specifically those used by judges, jurors, witnesses, or court officers. The catch is that the person has to intend to interfere with the court or intimidate someone. This bill removes that intent requirement, meaning someone could be charged even if they didn't mean to disrupt the court.
How it affects you
This directly affects people who might want to protest near courthouses or judges' homes. Instead of prosecutors having to prove you meant to interfere with the court, they'd only need to show you were picketing or parading there. For judges, jurors, witnesses, and court staff, it's meant to provide stronger protection against demonstrations at their workplaces or residences.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Oct 8, 2025)
Protect Our Judiciary Act of 2025
This bill removes the intent requirement for the criminal offense related to picketing or parading in or near a building or residence used by a judge, juror, witness, or court officer.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 5721
A BILL
Protect Our Judiciary Act of 2025
Sponsor: Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC-7) · Introduced Oct 8, 2025 · Crime and Law Enforcement · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Oct 8, 2025: “Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.”