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 journey · stage 2 of 5
Under committee review
What it doesSummary introduced in house (Sep 4, 2025)
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.
What just happenedSep 17, 2025
Received in the Senate.
Who’s behind it
- Engrossed in HouseSep 16, 2025
- Introduced in HouseSep 4, 2025
- Sep 17, 2025IntroReferral
Received in the Senate.
- Sep 16, 2025FloorH38310
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Sep 16, 2025FloorH37100
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, 2025Floor8000
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)
- Sep 16, 2025FloorH30000
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4346)
- Sep 16, 2025FloorH8D000
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 postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
- Sep 16, 2025FloorH35000
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
- Sep 16, 2025FloorH8D000
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 5140.
- Sep 16, 2025FloorH8D000
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 under a closed rule, and provides for a motion to recommit on each measure.
- Sep 16, 2025FloorH30000
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 707. (consideration: CR H4339)
- Sep 15, 2025FloorH1L210
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 707 Reported to House. 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 under a closed rule, and provides for a motion to recommit on each measure.
- Sep 10, 2025CommitteeH19000
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 26 - 19.
Oversight and Government Reform Committee - Sep 10, 2025CommitteeH15001
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Oversight and Government Reform Committee - Sep 4, 2025IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Oversight and Government Reform Committee - Sep 4, 2025IntroReferralIntro-H
Introduced in House
- Sep 4, 2025IntroReferral1000
Introduced in House