---
kind: "section"
citation: "50 U.S.C. § 797"
title: "50"
title_heading: "War and National Defense"
number: "797"
heading: "Penalty for violation of security regulations and orders"
release: "119-102"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/50/797"
units:
  - "Chapter 23 — Internal Security"
  - "Subchapter I — Control of Subversive Activities"
---

# §797. Penalty for violation of security regulations and orders

- (a) **Misdemeanor violation of defense property security regulations—**
  - (1) **Misdemeanor—** Whoever willfully violates any defense property security [regulation](#a-4-D) shall be fined under [title 18](/usc/18.md) or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
  - (2) **Defense property security regulation described—** For purposes of [paragraph (1)](#a-1), a defense property security [regulation](#a-4-D) is a property security [regulation](#a-4-D) that, pursuant to lawful authority—
    - (A) shall be or has been promulgated or approved by the Secretary of Defense (or by a military commander designated by the Secretary of Defense or by a military officer, or a civilian officer or [employee](/usc/50/2154.md?p=b-1) of the Department of Defense, holding a senior Department of Defense director position designated by the Secretary of Defense) for the protection or security of [Department of Defense property](#a-4-A); or
    - (B) shall be or has been promulgated or approved by the [Administrator](/usc/50/4232.md?p=1) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for the protection or security of [NASA property](#a-4-B).
  - (3) **Property security regulation described—** For purposes of [paragraph (2)](#a-2), a property security [regulation](#a-4-D), with respect to any property, is a [regulation](#a-4-D)—
    - (A) relating to fire hazards, fire protection, lighting, machinery, guard service, disrepair, disuse, or other unsatisfactory conditions on such property, or the ingress thereto or egress or removal of [persons](/usc/50/1841.md?p=1) therefrom; or
    - (B) otherwise providing for safeguarding such property against destruction, loss, or injury by accident or by enemy action, sabotage, or other subversive actions.
  - (4) **Definitions—** In this subsection:
    - (A) **Department of Defense property—** The term “Department of Defense property” means [covered property](#a-4-C) subject to the jurisdiction, administration, or in the custody of the Department of Defense, any Department or agency of which that Department consists, or any officer or [employee](/usc/50/2154.md?p=b-1) of that Department or agency.
    - (B) **NASA property—** The term “NASA property” means [covered property](#a-4-C) subject to the jurisdiction, administration, or in the custody of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration or any officer or [employee](/usc/50/2154.md?p=b-1) thereof.
    - (C) **Covered property—** The term “covered property” means aircraft, airports, airport facilities, vessels, harbors, ports, piers, water-front facilities, bases, forts, posts, laboratories, stations, vehicles, equipment, explosives, or other property or places.
    - (D) **Regulation as including order—** The term “regulation” includes an order.
- (b) **Posting—** Any regulation or order covered by [subsection (a)](#a) shall be posted in conspicuous and appropriate places.

## Source credit

(Sept. 23, 1950, ch. 1024, title I, § 21, 64 Stat. 1005; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title X, § 1053, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3435.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Amendments

2006—Pub. L. 109–163 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to security regulations and orders and penalties for violations.