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119-hr-98119th CongressWALLET

End Endless Criminal Statutes Act

Sponsored By: Representative Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]

In Committee

Summary

Ends a set of archaic, low-harm federal crimes by repealing several old statutes and by adding an intent requirement for offenses involving Postal Service uniforms. The bill targets tiny or outdated criminal penalties that the sponsors say no longer belong in federal law.

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  • Everyday people: Removes criminal penalties tied to trivial acts such as writing a check for less than $1, removing a postage stamp from mail, placing unpaid mailable matter in a mailbox, and sledding on the Capitol grounds. These acts would no longer be listed as federal offenses under the repealed provisions.
  • Food and retail businesses: Strikes federal penalties about selling or possessing colored margarine and rules tied to discarding produce or filing false produce reports. That reduces legal exposure for some small food handlers and sellers.
  • Postal impersonation: Changes the law so wearing a letter carrier uniform is an offense only if done "with the intent to commit an offense" under the chapter. This raises the bar for prosecution of uniform-related offenses.
  • Maritime and coin-related rules: Repeals provisions criminalizing certain maritime acts like detaining a seaman's clothing or early boarding and removes language about making coins of original design.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Repeal colored margarine rules

If enacted, this bill would repeal parts of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act that regulate colored margarine. Food makers and stores would no longer need to follow those specific labeling and packaging rules. This could lower compliance costs for businesses but would remove some consumer labeling protections.

Remove outdated federal petty crimes

If enacted, this bill would repeal or narrow several old federal criminal rules. It would remove or change penalties for acts like taking postage stamps, making certain metal coins, and some other narrow offenses. People who were at risk of being charged under those narrow rules would face less criminal exposure.

Repeal Capitol turf protection law

If enacted, this bill would repeal the law that protects turf and grass on the Capitol Grounds. People who could be charged for injuring that turf would no longer face that criminal penalty. The change would remove a statutory protection for public property at the Capitol.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]

AZ • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Roy, Chip [R-TX-21]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 1/9/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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