Safe and Open Streets Act

S 3492, the Safe and Open Streets Act, amends federal law to make it a crime to intentionally block public roads in a way that disrupts commerce or the movement of goods. The bill adds a new offense under 18 U.S.C. §1951, prohibiting anyone from purposefully obstructing, delaying, or affecting commerce by blocking roads or highways, with penalties including fines or up to five years in prison. It directly affects individuals or groups who intentionally block roads to interfere with transportation or commerce, such as during protests or demonstrations. The law aims to protect the free flow of commerce on public roads by criminalizing deliberate roadblocks that impede movement. This is a federal criminal law change, not a program or funding measure.