The Hobbs Act — Affecting Interstate Commerce (revised 2017) is a federal law that prohibits the use of extortion, threats, or violence to interfere with interstate commerce. This law applies to all individuals, including public officials, and was created to ensure that interstate commerce is not obstructed by criminal activities. The Hobbs Act covers any person who interferes with interstate commerce in any way, whether they derive any economic benefit from the activity. This includes activities such as extortion, robbery, bribery, and attempts to influence or obstruct the transportation or movement of goods, services, or people. Under the Hobbs Act, a person found guilty of violating the Act can be sentenced to up to twenty years in prison and/or a fine. The Act also allows civil remedies for victims of extortion or interference with interstate commerce. There are two types of Hobbs Act — Affecting Interstate Commerce (revised 2017): 1. The Original Hobbs Act of 1946, which applies to individuals or entities who use threats or violence to interfere with interstate commerce. 2. The Hobbs Act Amendments of 1984, which applies to public officials who use their power or authority to interfere with interstate commerce.