H.R. 59IntroducedCRIME AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
Mens Rea Reform Act of 2025
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation · Criminal procedure and sentencing
Key facts
Introduced: Jan 3, 2025
Chamber: House
Cosponsors: 2
Congress: 119th
Latest action · Jun 10, 2025
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 15 - 13.
Summary
Mens Rea Reform Act of 2025
This bill establishes a default mens rea standard (i.e., state of mind requirement) for federal criminal offenses—statutory and regulatory—that lack an explicit standard.
The government must generally prove that a defendant acted knowingly with respect to each element of an offense for which the text does not specify a state of mind.
Summary by Congressional Research Service.
Timeline
- Jun 10, 2025Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 15 - 13.
- Jun 10, 2025Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Jan 3, 2025Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Jan 3, 2025Introduced in House
- Jan 3, 2025Introduced in House
Cosponsors
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