H.R.5140 — 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.
House Roll Call
H.R.5140
| Bill | H.R.5140 — 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. |
|---|---|
| Vote question | On Passage |
| Vote type | Yea-and-Nay |
| Result | Passed |
| Totals | Yea 225 / Nay 203 / Present 0 / Not Voting 4 |
| Party | Yea | Nay | Present | Not Voting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R | 217 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| D | 8 | 202 | 0 | 3 |
| I | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Research Brief
On Passage
Bill Analysis
Bill Summary: HR 5140 (119th Congress)
Title: 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.
Overview: HR 5140 proposes to amend the District of Columbia’s criminal justice system by lowering the minimum age at which a minor can be charged and tried as an adult for specific serious offenses from 16 to 14 years. This legislation aims to address rising concerns about youth crime and accountability within the District.
Key Provisions:
- The bill specifically targets violent crimes and serious felonies, allowing prosecutors the discretion to charge minors aged 14 and older as adults for these offenses.
- It seeks to streamline the judicial process for handling cases involving younger offenders, thereby potentially increasing the penalties and consequences for those convicted.
Funding/Authorities: The bill does not specify new funding mechanisms but may impact existing judicial and correctional resources within the District of Columbia. It grants local authorities the power to implement the changes in prosecutorial practices and judicial proceedings.
Programs/Agencies Affected: The legislation primarily affects the District of Columbia’s judicial system, including local courts, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services. It may also influence law enforcement agencies and community organizations focused on youth services.
Beneficiaries/Regulated Parties: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are advocates for stricter juvenile justice policies and community members seeking enhanced public safety. Conversely, minors aged 14 and older who commit serious offenses would be subject to adult criminal penalties, which could lead to longer sentences and a criminal record.
Key Timelines: Following its introduction, HR 5140 has been received in the Senate for further consideration. The timeline for debate, amendments, and potential passage remains contingent on Senate scheduling and legislative priorities.
This bill reflects a significant shift in how the District of Columbia approaches juvenile crime, emphasizing accountability for younger offenders.
Yea (225)
B
Brad Finstad
B
Brandon Gill
A
Abraham Hamadeh
M
Mark Harris
B
Brian Jack
B
Brad Knott
C
Celeste Maloy
A
Addison McDowell
D
David Taylor
Nay (203)
A
André Carson
A
April McClain Delaney
E
Emilia Sykes
