Bill > HR5140

This bill proposes to lower the age at which a minor can be tried as an adult for certain criminal offenses in the District of Columbia from 16 to 14 years old. Specifically, the bill amends two sections of the District of Columbia Official Code: Section 16-2301, which governs the exclusion of minors from family court jurisdiction, and Section 16-2307, which addresses the transfer of minors to criminal proceedings. Under the proposed changes, 14- and 15-year-old defendants could now be tried as adults for serious criminal offenses, whereas previously this was only possible for 16-year-olds. The amendments would apply to criminal offenses committed on or after the date of the bill's enactment. This change represents a significant shift in how the juvenile justice system in Washington, D.C. handles young offenders, potentially exposing younger teenagers to adult criminal proceedings and penalties for certain serious crimes.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5140/all-info