Strong Sentences for Safer D.C. Streets Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]
In Committee
Summary
Raises mandatory minimum prison terms for major violent offenses in the District of Columbia. It also removes certain parole board authorities and applies only to crimes committed after enactment.
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- People convicted of designated violent crimes face higher floors. First-degree murder now carries life imprisonment without release and second-degree murder has a new minimum of 10 years.
- People convicted of rape or first-degree sexual abuse face longer minimums. Rape has a 25-year floor, rising to 30 years if the offender has a prior violent conviction, and first-degree sexual abuse has a 25-year minimum.
- Parole and sentencing procedures are narrowed and the changes are prospective. The Act eliminates parts of the Board of Indeterminate Sentence and Parole’s role and strikes language tied to imposing sentences above 60 years.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Higher minimums for rape and sexual abuse
If enacted, rape in D.C. would carry at least 25 years. If the person has a prior violent conviction, the minimum would be 30 years. First degree sexual abuse would have a minimum of 25 years, up to life. The bill also changes when courts could give more than 30 years in some sexual cases. These changes would apply only to crimes committed after the law takes effect.
Tougher prison terms for D.C. murders
If enacted, first degree murder in D.C. would carry life in prison with no release. Second degree murder would have at least 10 years, up to life. The bill would repeal a special sentencing procedure and remove an old parole-board reference. These changes would apply only to crimes committed after the law takes effect.
Harsher penalties for kidnapping and burglary
If enacted, kidnapping in D.C. would carry 10 to 30 years in prison. First degree burglary would carry at least 10 years. These changes would apply only to crimes committed after the law takes effect.
Longer sentences for D.C. carjackings
If enacted, unarmed carjacking in D.C. would carry at least 10 years in prison. Armed carjacking would carry at least 20 years. These changes would apply only to crimes committed after the law takes effect.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]
AZ • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Donalds, Byron [R-FL-19]
FL • R
Sponsored 9/8/2025
Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3]
LA • R
Sponsored 9/9/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov