H.R. 5242Heading to a voteCrime & justice
Bill would repeal DC laws letting young offenders seek reduced sentences
Data as of July 11, 2026
HR 5242 would repeal two D.C. laws that let people who offended young petition judges for reduced sentences.45-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
HR 5242 uses Congress's authority over Washington, D.C. to repeal the Second Chance Amendment Act of 2022 and the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act of 2016. Both laws let people who committed crimes before age 25 (or as minors, under the 2016 law) petition a judge for reduced sentences after serving significant prison time and showing rehabilitation. Repeal would restore the law to how it was before these acts passed, ending future petitions under these programs.
Who does it affect?
Incarcerated people in D.C.'s prison system convicted of crimes committed at a young age, along with D.C. courts and corrections officials who implement the resentencing process.
Why does it matter?
Repealing these laws would eliminate an existing legal pathway for eligible D.C. prisoners to seek sentence reductions going forward. The bill also reflects a broader dispute over how much control Congress should exert over D.C.'s local criminal justice policies.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee
- House vote — You are here
- Senate
- President's desk
Right now: it's headed for a House floor vote. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
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Official title
To repeal the Second Chance Amendment Act of 2022 and the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act of 2016.
- Introduced:
- September 10, 2025
- Latest action:
- October 14, 2025
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 293.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.