WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 5140 · 119th Congress

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.

Passed HouseCrime and Law Enforcement
IntroducedSep 4, 2025
Passed HouseSep 16, 2025
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Passed House. Latest step, Sep 17, 2025: Received in the Senate. The House passed it 225–203. All 4 of Iowa's representatives voted yes in the House. It would change 0 sections of existing law and would add 1 new provisions of its own.

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

H.R. 5140 doesn't change any existing section of law. It would create 1 new provision of its own. Read from the bill text as passed by the House (Sep 16, 2025).

New provisions of the bill's own

  • Sec. 1 Lowering age at which a minor may be tried as adult for certain criminal offenses in District of Columbia
What the words would change: every change, in place (0)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what would be struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

    From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, latest edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

    What it does

    Sourced

    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.

    Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Sep 4, 2025).

    Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

    What has happened

    Sourced
    1. Sep 17, 2025Received in the Senate.Senate
    2. Sep 16, 2025Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
    3. Sep 16, 2025On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 225 - 203 (Roll no. 271). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H4339) Roll call recordHouse floor actions
    4. Sep 16, 2025Passed/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) Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
    5. Sep 16, 2025Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4346)House floor actions
    6. Sep 16, 2025POSTPONED 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.House floor actions
    7. Sep 16, 2025The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.House floor actions
    8. Sep 16, 2025DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 5140.House floor actions
    9. Sep 16, 2025Rule 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.House floor actions
    10. Sep 16, 2025Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 707. (consideration: CR H4339)House floor actions
    11. Sep 15, 2025Rules 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.House floor actions
    12. Sep 10, 2025Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 26 - 19.House committee actions
    13. Sep 10, 2025Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session HeldHouse committee actions
    14. Sep 4, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.House floor actions
    15. Sep 4, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
    16. Sep 4, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

    Show key steps only

    Recorded votes

    Sourced
    1. Sep 16, 2025 · HousePassed 225–203
      Iowa: Randy Feenstra yes, Ashley Hinson yes, Mariannette Miller-Meeks yes, Zachary Nunn yes
      On Passage · needed a majority
      R 217 yes, 1 noD 8 yes, 202 noEach member · Record

    Cosponsors

    • Tim Burchett R-TN-2
    • Troy Downing R-MT-2
    • Clay Higgins R-LA-3
    • Anna Paulina Luna R-FL-13
    • Elise M. Stefanik R-NY-21
    • Joe Wilson R-SC-2