BGOV Bill Analysis: H.R. 5140, Trying DC Minors as Adults

Sept. 15, 2025, 9:05 AM UTC

The age at which a minor could be tried as an adult for certain offenses in Washington would be lowered to 14 from 16 under H.R. 5140.

The bill is part of a larger legislative effort by congressional Republicans to exert more control over DC’s local law enforcement following President Donald Trump’s takeover of the city’s police force in August.

Trump’s statements have focused on what he says is widespread crime, especially among youth. “The Law in D.C. must be changed to prosecute these ‘minors’ as adults, and lock them up for a long time, starting at age 14,” ...

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