STATUE Act

The STATUE Act (S 4546) makes it a federal crime to willfully damage or destroy public monuments, statues, plaques, or memorials on federal property or when the act involves interstate commerce. It specifically prohibits such actions under two circumstances: if the perpetrator uses interstate travel or mail, or if the monument is on federal land. Violators face fines (minimum $1,000 or the damage cost, whichever is higher) and prison sentences of 5 to 10 years. The law directly affects individuals who damage federally protected monuments or use interstate means to commit such acts.