Enhanced Protective Activities Act of 2001

This bill would expand the legal authority of special agents within the State Department and the Foreign Service to perform protective and investigative duties. It specifically allows these agents to obtain search warrants and make arrests without a warrant for certain offenses, such as those involving visa fraud or threats against protected individuals.

For the public, the bill’s primary impact is the creation of a new federal misdemeanor for anyone who obstructs or interferes with these agents while they are performing their protective duties. Additionally, it extends federal protection to a President-elect and increases the criminal penalties for illegal conduct directed at any individual under the State Department’s protection.