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The House passed H.R. 4922, which reduces the age for 'youth offender' status in Washington, D.C., and restricts the local government's power to change sentencing laws.
H.R. 4922, known as the D.C. CRIMES Act, makes several major changes to the criminal justice system in Washington, D.C. The bill lowers the age for "youth offender" sentencing protections from 24 to 18, ensuring that young adults are treated as adults in court. It also removes a judge's ability to give sentences shorter than the mandatory minimum for these offenders, requires the D.C. Attorney General to publish a public database of juvenile crime statistics, and prevents the D.C. Council from changing local sentencing laws. This vote was "On Passage," which is the final step for a bill to be approved by the House of Representatives. In the U.S. Congress, a bill must be passed by both the House and the Senate in the same form before it can be sent to the President to be signed into law. This vote confirms the House's official approval of the bill's contents. The measure passed with a vote of 240 to 179. While Republicans overwhelmingly supported the bill and most Democrats opposed it, 31 Democrats joined the Republican majority to pass the legislation. Having cleared the House, the bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
The bill has been sent to the Senate, where it must be reviewed and voted on before it can move toward becoming law.
OPEN BILL →Why it matters. This bill is a significant federal intervention into the local laws of Washington, D.C., and reflects a national debate over whether rehabilitative sentences or mandatory minimums are more effective for young offenders.
Who’s affected. Young adults in D.C. (ages 18-24): They would face adult criminal penalties and lose access to specialized rehabilitative sentencing options. · D.C. Council: The local legislature would lose its authority to amend or lower criminal sentencing guidelines. · D.C. residents: The public would gain access to more detailed, monthly data on juvenile crime trends in the city.
Democrats. Most Democrats voted against the bill, though 31 members broke with their party to vote in favor.
Republicans. Republicans were almost entirely united in support, with only one member voting 'no.'
On Passage
Sep 16, 2025
The House passed H.R.
4922, which reduces the age for 'youth offender' status in Washington, D.C., and restricts the local government's power to change sentencing laws.
This was the final vote in the House of Representatives to approve the bill. Passing this stage means the House has finished its work on the proposal and is sending it to the Senate for approval.
The bill has been sent to the Senate, where it must be reviewed and voted on before it can move toward becoming law.
This bill is a significant federal intervention into the local laws of Washington, D.C., and reflects a national debate over whether rehabilitative sentences or mandatory minimums are more effective for young offenders.
The bill passed with nearly unanimous Republican support and the help of a notable group of 31 Democrats who crossed party lines.
Most Democrats voted against the bill, though 31 members broke with their party to vote in favor.
Republicans were almost entirely united in support, with only one member voting 'no.'
The one independent member present voted in favor of the bill.