To assign the responsibility for conducting prosecutions for violations of the laws of the District of Columbia to the head of a local prosecutors office designated under local law of the District of Columbia.

2/4/2025, 4:54 PM

Summary of Bill HR 356

Bill 119 HR 356, also known as the "District of Columbia Prosecution Act," aims to transfer the responsibility of prosecuting violations of District of Columbia laws to the head of a local prosecutor's office designated under local law. Currently, the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia is responsible for prosecuting these violations.

The bill seeks to give local prosecutors more control over the enforcement of DC laws, as they are more familiar with the unique needs and priorities of the community. This change would align with the trend of empowering local governments to handle their own legal matters.

If passed, the bill would require the head of the designated local prosecutor's office to handle all prosecutions for violations of DC laws, rather than relying on federal prosecutors. This shift in responsibility could lead to more efficient and effective enforcement of local laws, as local prosecutors may have a better understanding of the specific issues facing the District of Columbia. Overall, Bill 119 HR 356 represents a potential change in the way violations of DC laws are prosecuted, with the goal of increasing local control and improving the legal system in the District of Columbia.

Congressional Summary of HR 356

District of Columbia Prosecutor Home Rule Act

This bill shifts the responsibility for prosecuting all violations of the laws, ordinances, and regulations of the District of Columbia (DC) to a local prosecutor's office.

Currently, the responsibility for prosecuting such violations is shared between DC and the federal government. Generally, the local Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia prosecutes crimes committed by juveniles and criminal violations of municipal regulations, and the federal U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia prosecutes all other crimes.

The bill also specifies that current employees of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia who continue to be employed by the local prosecutor's office retain their eligibility as federal employees for purposes of health insurance, retirement, and other federal benefits.

Current Status of Bill HR 356

Bill HR 356 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 13, 2025. Bill HR 356 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 13, 2025. Bill HR 356's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. as of January 13, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 356

Total Number of Sponsors

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Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 356

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 356

To assign the responsibility for conducting prosecutions for violations of the laws of the District of Columbia to the head of a local prosecutors office designated under local law of the District of Columbia.