Political Integrity Network
HR 5140 · 119th Congress · House

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.

In progress
IntroducedSep 4, 2025
Policy areaCrime and Law Enforcement
Cosponsors6
What this bill is intended to do

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.

Latest action

Sep 17, 2025Received in the Senate.

How Congress voted · House roll call 271 · Sep 16, 2025
225 Yea203 Nay4 Not voting

Passed

How each party voted
Republicans216–1
Democrats8–202
Independents1–0

Revealed positions from the official roll call.

D54

The bill proposes to lower the age at which minors can be tried as adults for certain criminal offenses in the District of Columbia from 16 to 14 years. It amends specific sections of the District of Columbia Official Code to reflect this change. The bill applies to offenses committed after its enactment.

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