To repeal the Second Chance Amendment Act of 2022 and the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act of 2016.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5242
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-14: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 293.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T23:26:34Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill, H.R. 5242, aims to repeal specific District of Columbia (D.C.) laws related to criminal justice reforms and traffic regulations. By doing so, it seeks to restore prior legal frameworks in these areas, effectively reversing recent changes aimed at reducing incarceration and modifying traffic enforcement practices in D.C.
Key Provisions
- Repeal of Criminal Justice Acts:
- Repeals the Second Chance Amendment Act of 2022 (D.C. Law 24-284), which likely focused on second-chance opportunities for individuals with criminal records.
- Repeals the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act of 2016 (part of D.C. Law 21-238), which aimed to lower incarceration rates through alternative sentencing or diversion programs.
- Both repeals restore any laws that were previously amended or repealed by these acts, treating them as if they never existed.
- Termination of Automated Traffic Enforcement:
- Repeals Title IX of the Fiscal Year 1997 Budget Support Act of 1996 (D.C. Official Code § 50-2209.01 et seq.), which established an automated system for enforcing traffic violations, such as speed cameras or red-light cameras.
- Removal of Right-Turn Restrictions:
- Repeals Section 9e of the District of Columbia Traffic Act, 1925 (D.C. Official Code § 50-2201.04e), which imposed restrictions on making right turns at red traffic signals (e.g., potential bans or limits in certain areas).
- Effective Date:
- The changes apply only to criminal conduct occurring after the bill's enactment, limiting retroactive effects.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Reverses D.C.'s 2016 and 2022 reforms that sought to reduce prison populations by promoting alternatives to incarceration, such as community service or probation, restoring stricter penalties or processes from before those acts.
- Ends D.C.'s automated traffic ticketing system, which had been a tool for non-police enforcement of minor violations, potentially shifting enforcement back to traditional methods.
- Lifts D.C.-specific limits on right turns at red lights, aligning D.C. traffic rules more closely with standard U.S. practices that generally permit such turns unless prohibited.
These changes are enacted by federal law, overriding D.C.'s local authority under the D.C. Home Rule Act, which allows Congress to legislate on D.C. matters.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: D.C. agencies, such as the Department of Corrections and Metropolitan Police Department, may face increased workloads due to higher incarceration rates and a return to manual traffic enforcement, potentially raising operational costs. Revenue from automated traffic fines could decrease, affecting D.C.'s budget.
- On Citizens: Individuals in D.C. with prior criminal records may lose access to second-chance programs, leading to harsher sentencing outcomes. Drivers could benefit from fewer automated tickets and more flexible right-on-red rules, but this might increase minor traffic incidents if enforcement weakens.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic D.C. policies.
Main Stakeholders
- D.C. Residents and Offenders: Directly affected by changes to criminal sentencing and traffic rules, with potential for more punitive justice outcomes and altered driving experiences.
- D.C. Government Officials: Including lawmakers, police, and corrections staff, who must implement restored laws and adjust enforcement practices.
- Federal Lawmakers: House members sponsoring the bill (e.g., Mr. Kustoff and Mr. Wilson of South Carolina), reflecting congressional oversight of D.C. affairs.
- Advocacy Groups: Criminal justice reform organizations may oppose the repeals, while law enforcement or traffic safety advocates could support the traffic changes.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a federal override of local D.C. law, it underscores Congress's plenary power over the District under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, which grants exclusive jurisdiction without needing D.C. consent. The non-retroactive effective date avoids ex post facto (retroactive punishment) challenges.
- Constitutional: Reinforces debates on D.C. Home Rule limitations, potentially highlighting tensions between local autonomy and federal control, though it does not alter the constitutional status of D.C. statehood efforts.
- Political: Signals a congressional pushback against progressive D.C. policies on criminal justice and traffic enforcement, possibly influencing partisan divides in oversight committees like Oversight and Government Reform. It could prompt D.C. officials to seek workarounds or federal negotiations.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-14: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 293.
- 2025-10-14: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. H. Rept. 119-341.
- 2025-10-14: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. H. Rept. 119-341.
- 2025-09-10: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 24 - 20.
- 2025-09-10: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-09-10: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-09-10: Introduced in House
- 2025-09-10: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To repeal the Second Chance Amendment Act of 2022 and the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act of 2016. — issued 2025-09-10 — PDF (2 pages)
- To repeal the Second Chance Amendment Act of 2022 and the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act of 2016. — issued 2025-10-14 — PDF (6 pages)