Mens Rea Reform Act of 2025
Rep. Biggs Introduces the Mens Rea Reform Act to Require Proof of Intent for Federal Crimes
The Mens Rea Reform Act of 2025 is currently in the House Judiciary Committee. The committee recently voted to advance the bill with changes, so it is actively moving forward. It does not have a companion bill at this time.
Legislative Progress
This bill faces a difficult path because it lacks broad bipartisan support and similar proposals have struggled to pass in previous years.
Key Points
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Small business owners face a complex web of federal regulations and can sometimes unknowingly violate obscure rules that carry criminal penalties. This bill would ensure prosecutors must prove business owners knew they were breaking the law before securing a conviction. This could reduce the risk of accidental criminal liability for regulatory violations related to environmental rules, workplace safety, financial reporting, and other areas where honest mistakes can currently lead to prosecution.
Milestones
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 15 - 13.
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.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Mens Rea Reform Act of 2025
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(2)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.