D.C. could try some 14- and 15-year-olds as adults for certain criminal offenses. The change would apply only to crimes committed after the bill becomes law.
Modern Action explains what the legislation does, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.
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. is a Senate bill awaiting final action. The latest recorded action: Received in the Senate.
Latest action on H.R. 5140: Received in the Senate.
Who this affects: This bill mainly affects 14- and 15-year-olds in Washington, D.C., who are accused of certain crimes. It could move some of their cases from family court into adult criminal court. It also affects their families, defense lawyers, prosecutors, judges, and D.C. communities that follow how serious youth cases are handled.
Why this matters: This bill matters because it could change how D.C. handles serious criminal cases involving younger teens. A 14- or 15-year-old who might have stayed in family court could instead face adult criminal court. That can affect the court process, possible punishment, and where the young person is held. The bill does not say whether this would improve public safety or youth outcomes, so those effects remain uncertain.
You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.
Officially: 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.
D.C. could try some 14- and 15-year-olds as adults for certain criminal offenses. The change would apply only to crimes committed after the bill becomes law.
Use this page to support, oppose, or ask Congress to amend H.R.5140. Modern Action explains what the bill does, helps identify the right senators or representative, and drafts a bill-specific message you can edit and send.
Where it stands
Passed House. Now before the Senate.
This is the moment to act.
↓ Why your message matters here
This bill passed the House and is now before the Senate — this is the moment to act.
Enter your ZIP to see how your senators and member of Congress have voted, sponsored, or spoken on this bill.
Where this bill is in the process
Introduced
Introduced in House
House Committee
Under House committee consideration
House Floor Vote
Voted on by House
Passed House
Approved by House
Senate Review
Sent to Senate for consideration
Latest: Received in the Senate. (9/17/2025)
Passed Both Chambers
Approved by both House and Senate
Signed into Law
Signed by the President
For more detail
Choose one clear position: support, oppose, or amend. Then pick any reasons or personal context you want included. Modern Action uses that input and the bill context to draft a message you can edit and send.
Congressional offices prioritize messages from their own constituents. Modern Action uses your address to route the drafted message to your senators when that is the most relevant target for this bill.
The draft includes the bill number, your position, the reasons you selected, any personal context you added, and a direct ask such as voting yes, voting no, cosponsoring, opposing, or seeking changes. You stay in control because you can edit the message before sending.
This page gives you an opportunity to support, oppose, or ask for changes to 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., then contact the elected officials who can act. Modern Action drafts the message from your position and the reasons you select.
Modern Action keeps the action tied to the bill itself: what it does, where it is in the process (desk), which office can still act, and what ask belongs in the message.
You are not starting from a blank form. Modern Action drafts the message around H.R.5140, your stance, and the reasons you choose, then lets you edit and send when ready.
