Plain English
GovGreed Synthesis · 2025-09-17
This bill lowers the age at which an individual may be tried as an adult for certain criminal offenses in the District of Columbia (DC) to 14 years of age. Under current DC law, an individual who is under 18 years of age is tried as a juvenile in family court. However, an individual who is 16 years of age or older may be tried as an adult if the individual is charged with murder, first-degree sexual abuse, burglary in the first degree, robbery while armed, or assault with intent to commit any such offense. Additionally, an individual who is 15 years of age or older may be tried as an adult if the individual is alleged to have committed a felony and it is determined that (1) it is in the interest of the public welfare to try the individual as an adult, and (2) there are no reasonable prospects for the individual's rehabilitation. The bill lowers the minimum age to be tried as an adult in these cases to 14 years of age.
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Action Timeline
2025-09-17
Received in the Senate.
2025-09-16
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-09-16
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 225 - 203 (Roll no. 271). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H4339)
2025-09-16
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)
2025-09-16
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4346)
2025-09-16
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 5140, the Chair put the question on passage of the bill, and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Garcia (CA) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postpone
2025-09-16
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
2025-09-16
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 5140.
2025-09-16
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4922, H.R. 5143, H.R. 5140, H.R. 5125, H.R. 1047, H.R. 3015 and H.R. 3062. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4922, H.R. 5143, H.R. 5140, H.R. 5125, H.R. 1047, H.R. 3015, and H.R. 3062
2025-09-16
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 707. (consideration: CR H4339)
Full Bill Text
119 HR 5140 EH: 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. U.S. House of Representatives text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I 119th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 5140 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT 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. 1. Lowering age at which a minor may be tried as adult for certain criminal offenses in District of Columbia (a) Lowering age at which minor may be excluded from jurisdiction of Family Court Section 16–2301, District of Columbia Official Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (3), by striking sixteen years of age and inserting fourteen years of age ; and (2) in paragraph (3) in the matter following subparagraph (C), by striking the age of sixteen and inserting the age of fourteen . (b) Lowering age at which minor may be transferred to criminal proceeding Section 16–2307(a), District of Columbia Official Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking fifteen and inserting fourteen ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking sixteen and inserting fourteen . (c) Applicability This Act, and the amendments made by this Act, shall apply with respect to criminal offenses committed on and after the date of the enactment of this Act. Passed the House of Representatives September 16, 2025. Kevin F. McCumber, Clerk.
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