The US Protest Law Tracker follows state and federal legislation introduced since January 2017 that restricts the right to peaceful assembly. For more information, visit our Analysis of US Anti-Protest Bills page.
Latest updates: Jun. 23, 2026 (Arizona), Jun. 17, 2026 (Louisiana), May. 29, 2026 (Georgia, Oklahoma)
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Georgia
SB 443: Heightened penalties for protesters who block streets
Increases potential criminal penalties and introduces new civil liability for protesters who obstruct streets while demonstrating. Under preexisting Georgia law, it was a misdemeanor to “purposely or recklessly obstruct[]” any street in a way that makes it “impassable without unreasonable inconvenience.” Under the new law, such offense is a serious misdemeanor, publishable by a year in jail and $5,000. The law additionally makes anyone who commits the obstruction offense civilly liable for any damages that result from the offense. As such, peaceful demonstrators in a protest that blocks a street even briefly could face jail time and civil lawsuits.
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See full text of bill here)
Status: enacted
Introduced 29 Jan 2026; Approved by Senate 3 March 2026; Approved by House 23 March 2026; Signed by Governor Kemp 11 May 2026
Issue(s): Civil Liability, Traffic Interference
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Louisiana
HB 429: Terrorism penalties for protests near gas and oil facilities
Significantly expands the definition of “critical infrastructure” and makes trespass onto “critical infrastructure” with certain intent a terrorism offense under state law, such that peaceful protesters near gas and oil infrastructure could face terrorism charges. Preexisting Louisiana law defined “critical infrastructure” broadly to include “any and all structures, sites, or equipment” located in or on certain facilities, including oil and gas storage facilities and pipelines, whether established or under construction. Under preexisting law, it is a felony to unlawfully enter onto or remain on “critical infrastructure” after being ordered not to by an authorized person, or if the critical infrastructure is enclosed by a physical barrier. The new law expands the definition of “critical infrastructure” to include all “oil and natural gas facilities and operations,” including “private and public roads... primarily used in such operations” and “equipment” involved in such operations. The new law amends Louisiana’s “terrorism” law such that “unauthorized entry of a critical infrastructure” can be charged as a terrorism offense if committed with the intent to “intimidate” a civilian population or “influence the policy of a unit of government" or "affect the conduct of a unit of government" by intimidation. Under the law, such offense is subject to at least five and up to 20 years in prison with hard labor. As enacted, the law would seemingly allow terrorism charges to be brought against individuals who demonstrate on public roads used by gas or oil facilities in order to influence government policy.
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See full text of bill here)
Status: enacted
Introduced 25 Feb 2026; Approved by House 7 April 2026; Approved by Senate 26 May 2026; Signed by Governor Landry
Issue(s): Infrastructure, Terrorism, Trespass
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Oklahoma
HB 3581: Heightened penalties for blocking traffic during a “riot”
Increases penalties under Oklahoma’s anti-rioting law that could cover nonviolent demonstrators. Preexisting Oklahoma law defines “riot” to include a group of three people who threaten to use force or violence, as well as those who actually use any force or violence. As such, demonstrators can be prosecuted for “riot” even if they didn’t engage in any violence. Before HB 3581 was enacted, it was a misdemeanor to “unlawfully obstruct the normal use” of any road while participating in a "riot"; under the new law, such obstruction is a Class D3 felony, punishable by up to two years in prison and $5,000. The law also expands criminal liability for demonstrators who “vandalize[]” or “deface[]” any building or other structure, making such act a felony punishable by up to four years in prison if committed in the course of a "riot."
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See full text of bill here)
Status: enacted
Introduced 15 Jan 2026; Approved by House 11 March 2026; Approved by Senate 27 April 2026; Signed by Governor Stitt 12 May 2026
Issue(s): Riot, Traffic Interference
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Tennessee
SB 2222 / HB 2109: New civil liability for protest organizers and supporters
Establishes a new basis for civil lawsuits against protest organizers and supporters. Under the law, a claimant may seek damages from someone who compensates another person to participate in a protest, if the participant’s conduct satisfies the elements of certain crimes. The specified crimes include “disorderly conduct,” “obstructing a highway or passageway,” and “disrupting meetings,” among others, though the law does not require that the participant was ever convicted in order for civil liability to apply. The law defines “compensation” broadly to include not only salary or payment but any “valuable consideration,” and defines a “demonstration” as a public gathering of one or more people “protesting against something or expressing views on a political issue.” Under the law, groups whose employees engage in protests or advocacy as part of their work could face civil lawsuits, based on allegations that the employee was engaged in disorderly conduct (which can include making “unreasonable noise”), blocking a sidewalk, or disrupting public hearings or other government meetings.
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See full text of bill here)
Status: enacted
Introduced 2 Feb 2026; Approved by Senate 12 March 2026; Approved by House 26 March 2026; Signed by Governor Lee 13 April 2026
Issue(s): Civil Liability, Protest Supporters or Funders, Riot, Traffic Interference
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Utah
HB 331: New penalties for protesters who wear masks or block traffic
Creates a serious misdemeanor offense that can cover peaceful demonstrators who wear a mask. Under the law, it is a Class A misdemeanor to wear a mask or other disguise in public with intent to conceal one’s identity from government officials, while either committing any offense or congregating with other people known to be committing, or attempting to commit, any offense. As such, peaceful demonstrators who choose wear a mask to avoid government surveillance or retaliation for their political views, could face arrest and criminal charges. The law does not require that a masked demonstrator themselves commit or intend to commit any unlawful act. Wearing a mask while part of a demonstration where other participants commit or attempt to commit minor violations of state or local law, such as blocking a sidewalk or violating noise ordinances, could be covered. A Class A misdemeanor in Utah is punishable by up to one year in jail. The law also adds the offense of “aggravated disorderly conduct on a street or highway” as a predicate offense for Utah’s racketeering statute. As a result, the law creates potential criminal and civil racketeering liability for organizers and protesters involved in demonstrations on highways or major roads. As introduced, the law also created new felony offenses that could cover peaceful protesters who block traffic; these provisions were removed by amendment before the law was enacted.
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See full text of bill here)
Status: enacted
Introduced 22 Jan 2026; Approved by House 24 February 2026; Approved by Senate 5 March 2026; Signed by Governor Cox 24 March 2026
Issue(s): Civil Liability, Protest Supporters or Funders, Traffic Interference
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