How HR 639 changes current law

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill adds a prohibition against unlawful detention based solely on protected characteristics to existing law.

• 18 U.S.C. § 4001

  (b) Prohibition on Detention Based on Protected Characteristics.-- (1) In general.--No individual may be imprisoned or otherwise detained based solely on an actual or perceived protected characteristic of the individual. (2) Definition.--In this subsection, the term `protected characteristic' includes each of the following: (A) Race. (B) Ethnicity. (C) National origin. (D) Religion. (E) Sex. (F) Gender identity. (G) Sexual orientation. (H) Disability. (I) Any additional characteristic that the Attorney General determines to be a protected characteristic. (3) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to allow the Attorney General to remove a characteristic described in subparagraphs (A) through (H) of paragraph (2) from the definition of the term `protected characteristic' under this subsection.

  This addition introduces a new prohibition on detaining individuals based on certain characteristics, enhancing civil liberties protections.

• 18 U.S.C. § 4001

  (b) → (c)

  This change renumbers the existing subsection (b) to (c) in the statute.