Us Congress House Bill HB4922

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/8/25
• Refer: 8/8/25

Caption

DC CRIMES Act DC Criminal Reforms to Immediately Make Everyone Safe Act

Impact

One significant impact of HB4922 is on the legal treatment of juveniles within the District. By limiting the youth offender status, the bill is intended to potentially alter how young individuals are prosecuted and treated under the law. Proponents argue that this change aligns with the intent to focus rehabilitation efforts more effectively on younger individuals, thereby improving outcomes. The established website is expected to serve as a resource for lawmakers and the public, making it easier to track crime rates and trends concerning juvenile offenders.

Summary

House Bill 4922, also known as the DC CRIMES Act, aims to refine the classification of youth offenders in the District of Columbia by restricting the designation to individuals 18 years of age or younger. This bill amends existing laws related to the Youth Rehabilitation Act, which previously included individuals up to 24 years of age. The bill also mandates the Attorney General of the District of Columbia to create and manage a publicly accessible website containing updated statistics regarding juvenile crime, including the number of arrests and demographic information on the offenders.

Contention

However, the legislation has sparked some debate. Opponents might argue that limiting the age for youth offender status could lead to harsher penalties for individuals aged 18 to 24, who might benefit from rehabilitation programs designed for younger offenders. Critics may also raise concerns about the privacy implications associated with the public accessibility of juvenile crime statistics, even though the bill stipulates that personally identifiable information must be protected.

Resolution

Overall, HB4922 reflects an effort to streamline juvenile justice policies in the District of Columbia while providing transparency through updated crime statistics. The bill represents a significant shift in how youth offenders are perceived and managed legally, raising questions about the balance between public safety, rehabilitation, and the rights of young individuals within the judicial system.