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Congress·Passed House·H.R. 5140

To lower the age at which a minor may be tried as an adult for certain criminal offenses in the District of Columbia to 14 years of age.

District of Columbia: Lowering the Age for Adult Criminal Trials

Stalled

No legislative action in over 90 days.

Legislative Progress

House

225203

Senate
President
Law

Key Points

  • Congress passed a bill that would lower the age at which minors in Washington, D.C., can be tried as adults for certain serious crimes. Currently, the age is generally 16, but this change would allow prosecutors to move cases involving 14-year-olds to adult criminal court.
  • The policy changes the rules for the city's Family Court, which usually handles cases for children. By lowering the age to 14, more teenagers could face adult penalties, including longer prison sentences and permanent criminal records, rather than the rehabilitation-focused programs found in the juvenile system.
  • This change would apply to specific serious offenses committed after the law is officially signed. It aims to address concerns about crime rates involving younger teenagers in the nation's capital by increasing the legal consequences they face.
  • While the bill focuses on public safety and accountability for serious crimes, critics often argue that 14-year-olds are not mature enough for adult prison and that these changes can have long-lasting negative effects on a young person's future.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.

Milestones

3 milestones15 actions
Sep 17, 2025Senate

Received in the Senate.

The Senate has received the House-passed bill and will decide whether to take it up.

Sep 16, 2025House

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Sep 16, 2025House

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 225 - 203 (Roll no. 271). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H4339)

Sep 16, 2025

Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 225 - 203 (Roll no. 271). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H4339)

The House of Representatives voted to approve this bill. It now goes to the Senate.

Sep 16, 2025House

Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4346)

Vote Results

1 vote
HousePassedPassageSep 16, 2025

On Passage

225
203
Democrat
8202 · 3
Republican
2171 · 1
View full roll call

News

No related news coverage found for this legislation yet.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

To lower the age at which a minor may be tried as an adult for certain criminal offenses in the District of Columbia to 14 years of age.

Bill NumberHR 5140
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReceived in the Senate.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(6)
R: 6

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.