The Safe and Open Streets Act creates a new federal crime for blocking public roads or highways in ways that obstruct commerce or the movement of goods. Anyone convicted of purposely blocking a road to interfere with commerce—or attempting or conspiring to do so—could face up to 5 years in prison, a fine, or both. The bill modifies existing federal law on interference with commerce by expanding the definition beyond just threats or violence to include physical obstruction of roadways. This legislation affects protesters, activists, or anyone who intentionally blocks roads or highways in a way that impacts commercial activity or the transport of goods. The bill contains no specific funding provisions or implementation timelines, instead amending existing criminal statutes to add this new offense immediately upon enactment.
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