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119-hr-4287119th Congress

Enhanced Penalties for Criminal Flag Burners Act

Sponsored By: Representative Moore, Tim [R-NC-14]

Introduced

Summary

Creates enhanced penalties for using incendiary devices or burning the U.S. flag during certain federal crimes. This bill would add a new federal enhancement that imposes a minimum 1-year prison term when someone knowingly uses open flames or an incendiary device while committing federal offenses and preserves First Amendment protection for peaceful symbolic conduct.

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  • People who use open flames or incendiary devices while committing federal crimes that cause property damage, obstruct government operations, or endanger the public would face an added minimum sentence of 1 year, on top of other penalties.
  • Federal employees, public officials, and the public could see stronger deterrence against incendiary intimidation and attacks on federal property.
  • Individuals who burn the flag as peaceful symbolic speech and do not engage in criminal acts remain protected under the First Amendment.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Harsher penalties for fire in federal crimes

If enacted, people who use fire during certain federal crimes would face at least 1 year in prison. This would be added on top of other penalties. It would cover open flames or incendiary devices, including flag burning. It applies when crimes involve property damage, obstructing government, or public endangerment. It would not apply to peaceful, protected speech or symbolic acts that do not threaten safety.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Moore, Tim [R-NC-14]

NC • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10]

    NC • R

    Sponsored 7/2/2025

  • Rep. Norman, Ralph [R-SC-5]

    SC • R

    Sponsored 7/2/2025

  • Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 7/2/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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