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Congress·Reported·H.R. 5172

Strong Sentences for Safer D.C. Streets Act

Congress moves to raise mandatory minimum prison sentences for major crimes in Washington, D.C.

Strong Sentences for Safer D.C. Streets Act of 2025

Stalled

No legislative action in over 90 days.

Legislative Progress

House
Senate
President
Law

Key Points

  • Sets life without release as the required sentence for first-degree murder in Washington, D.C.
  • Adds a 10-year minimum prison sentence for second-degree murder in D.C. (up to life still possible).
  • Raises minimum prison terms in D.C. for rape and first-degree sexual abuse to at least 25 years, with a 30-year minimum for repeat violent offenders.
  • Creates or raises minimum sentences for kidnaping (10 years), carjacking (10 years unarmed, 20 years armed), and first-degree burglary (10 years).
  • Applies only to crimes committed after the bill becomes law; it would not change sentences for earlier cases.
Criminal Justice

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

How this policy affects specific groups of people

Negative Impacts(1)
Criminal Record
Hurts

State Impacts

District of ColumbiaDC
Mixed

Directly changes D.C. criminal sentencing by raising mandatory minimums for first degree murder (life without release), second degree murder (at least 10 years), rape/first degree sexual abuse (generally at least 25 years), kidnapping (at least 10 years), carjacking (10 years unarmed; 20 armed), and first degree burglary (at least 10 years), for conduct after enactment.

Milestones

3 milestones6 actions
Oct 3, 2025House

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 279.

The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.

Oct 3, 2025House

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. H. Rept. 119-326.

Sep 10, 2025House

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 26 - 19.

The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.

Sep 10, 2025House

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Sep 8, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Votes

No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.

News

No related news coverage found for this legislation yet.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Strong Sentences for Safer D.C. Streets Act of 2025

Bill NumberHR 5172
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 279.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(2)
R: 2

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.