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Lowering Adult Criminal Trial Age for Minors in D.C. to 14

This new law lowers the age at which minors in the District of Columbia can be tried as adults for certain criminal offenses from 16 to 14 years old. This means younger teenagers could face the adult criminal justice system, potentially leading to more severe penalties and long-term consequences for their lives and rights. These changes apply to offenses committed on or after the law's enactment date.
Key points
The age for minors to be tried as adults in D.C. for certain crimes is lowered from 16 to 14 years old.
Teenagers as young as 14 can now be transferred from family court to adult criminal proceedings for specific offenses.
These changes apply to criminal offenses committed on or after the law's enactment date.
article Official text account_balance Process page
VOTING RESULTS
2025-09-16
53%
For 225
Against 203
Abstain 0
Full voting results open_in_new
Passed House
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_5140
Sponsor: Rep. Gill, Brandon [R-TX-26]
Process start date: 2025-09-04
Voting date: 2025-09-16
Meeting no: 1
Voting no: 271
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
AI work logs for this document launch

OFFICIAL LEGAL 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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 119_HR_5140.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2025-09-04.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • The age for minors to be tried as adults in D.C. for certain crimes is lowered from 16 to 14 years old.
  • Teenagers as young as 14 can now be transferred from family court to adult criminal proceedings for specific offenses.
  • These changes apply to criminal offenses committed on or after the law's enactment date.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Passed House.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Where is the official voting record?

The official roll call vote is recorded at: voting record

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Gill, Brandon [R-TX-26].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 225 - 203 (Roll no. 271). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H4339)

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-23.

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